Temptation

TEMPTATION is the desire to perform an action that one may enjoy immediately or in a short term but will probably later regret for various reasons: Legal, social, psychological (including feeling of guilt), health related etc. In the context of some religions, temptation is the inclination to sin. Temptation also describes the coaxing or inducing a person into committing such an act, by manipulation or otherwise.
More informally, temptation may be used to mean “the state of being attracted and enticed” without anything to do with moral, ethical, or ideological valuation, for example one may say that a plate of food looks tempting” even though eating it would result in no negative consequences.
A research article was written by vanchai Anyabuddhiphongs a Professor at Bangkok University about the motivational and persuasive negative effects of such temptation such as money that can push one to disregard religious beliefs whether it be Buddhism, Christianity etc…. he says that when given an opportunity to a large amount of money we have a large chance of harming, partaking in sexual misconduct or start doing drugs. The idea of money as a negative persuasion tactic regarding following religions is psychologically proven to affect our cognitive ability to make decisions. Vanchai’s article talked solely on Budhist practices but can be broadened to all beliefs. Our religious beliefs may define us as spiritual people, but this article describes how a possible outside source can push those thoughts away and look to benefit us in a way that may include disregarding religion.
Non – Religious Usage
Temptation is usually used in a loose sense to describe actions which indicate a lack of self control. Temptation is a common recurring theme in literature. “Temptation has repercussions for even the strongest. Temptation” is something that allures, excites, seduces someone. Infatuation can also lead to temptation as someone might do something for love in spite of one’s better judgement. In advertising, temptation is a theme common to many of the marketing and advertising techniques used to make products more attractive.
What You Should Know
Every one is vulnerable to temptation – Even adults
After all, temptation can take many forms. The Apostle Paul was not young when he wrote: “I really delight in the law of God…, but I see in my body another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law.” Despite the pressure, Paul resisted the urge to give in and so can you! Really, why be a slave to your desires? Learning to resist temptation while you are young will set you free from much anxiety now and will also prove to be a vital skills that you will need to adulthood.
(2)  The Media Fuels Temptation
The Bible speaks of youthful desires which are strong enough as it is (2 Timothy 2:22) But movies, TV, Music and books marketed to young people often intensify those desires by conveying the impressions that surrending to temptations is acceptable. For example, if two characters in a movie are in love, it is all but certain that they will have sex with each other at some point in the story. However, the Bible says that real men and women have the power to keep abstaining from fleshy desires (1 Peter 2:11) that means you can choose to resist temptations but how?
Five Steps To Avoid Temptation
Temptation is something we all face as Christians, no matter how long we have been following Christ. There are few practical things, however that we can do to grow stronger and smarter in our struggle against sin. We can learn how to avoid temptation by practicing these steps.
1.  Recognize Your Tendency Towards Sins
James 1:14 explains that we are tempted when we become enticed by our own natural desires. The first step towards avoiding temptations, is recognizing our human tendency to be tempted by our own fleshy desires. Temptation is always there, so don’t be surprised by it, rather expect to be tempted. Be prepared for it.
2.  Run Away From Temptation
I love the new living translation of (1 Corinthians 10:13), it says “But remember that the temptations that come into your life are not different from what others experience. And God is faithful, he will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”
When you are face to face with temptation, look for the way out that God has promised and then run as fast as you can.
3.  Refocus With Praise
How often have you been tempted to sin when your heart and mind were fully concentrated on worship to the Lord? Praising God takes your focus off yourself and puts it on God. You may not be strong enough to resist temptation on your own, but as you focus on God, he will inhabit your praise. He will give you the strength to resist and walk away from the temptation. May I suggest Psalm 147 as a good place to start.
4.  Find Supportive Friends
You can remove much temptation in your life by choosing as associates those who share your moral convictions. According to Proverbs 13:20 “The one walking with the wise will grow wise but a companion of fools suffers harm.”
5.  Repent Quickly When You Fail
In Several places the Bible tells us the best ways to resist temptation is to flee from it (1 Corinthians 6:18; 10:14; 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:22). Having a more realistic view knowing that at times you will fail should help you to repent quickly when you do, it is not the end of the world when you fail, but it is very dangerous to persist in your sin. Going back to James 1, verse 15 explains that sin “when it is full grown, give birth to  death.”
Avoid circumstances that will make temptation hard to resist, for example:
1.  Do not allow yourself to be alone with a member of the opposite sex
2.  Avoid using the internet at a time or a place that might make it tempting for you to view pornography.
3.  Stay away from people whose speech and conduct make wrong doing looks attractive.