Such as is common to man

[cyberpunk]

In 1 Corinthians 10:13 it says "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man".

It seems that a lot of us get angry at ourselves because we have been tempted. This mentality seem to create an impossibly high standard and leads to relapse. Temptation is (usually) a force outside of my control. Temptation is merely the presentation of a choice, either I continue on the path of sobriety or I choose to lust and possibly relapse. The fact that I have been presented with this choice does not mean I have done something wrong or that I am a bad, broken, vile person. It is merely a choice which has been pushed upon me by an outside force.

Sometimes my life get so crazy and stressful that it feels like the temptations are coming in massive tidal waves. At times like this it is easy to get discouraged and say "What is wrong with me? Why am I still tempted?" If anyone is going through this I want to say that nothing is wrong with you. You are going through the same thing that every person on this earth has to go through. That doesn't mean that I am now justified to act upon my temptation because my action is my own decision. I also often need help to get through a particularly difficult period of temptation; people that can stand by me and support me, encouraging me to make the choice to stay sober. I have often found that when I call up another addict and tell them that I am struggling with a difficult temptation that the temptation seems to lose some of its power and my ability to resist it increases.

There is one caveat though. I will never be able to completely remove temptation from my life but some of my choices will lead to temptation. I have an internet filter on my computer because it greatly reduces the number of times I am tempted to look at P. I don't go to "clubs" or environments that will encourage me to lust because the amount of temptation in my life would skyrocket.

However, stress at work or in my personal life isn't something I can avoid. A pretty girl jogging down the street isn't something I can prevent, and I certainly can't choose the clothing she decides to wear. During these times it is important to remember that I am not judged by my temptations but the choices I make after the temptations.

[Crisodian]

Excellent post cyber! I am certain this will help others take an internal look when temptation comes calling.

Peace,
~C~

[Life-lies-trust]

CP this is a great post. I as an SO really like the way you put it and took responsibility for your actions.=D>