Temptation isn't only in Eden

I feel compelled to write about something personal today; so compelled that I can’t think of much else until I write this down. I want to talk about Temptation. We all feel it. Some of us don’t even recognize when it’s happening or how to stay away from it but we are ALL are tempted. Perhaps the most challenging human condition of all is “wanting what we can’t have”. We live in a consumer society where everything is obtainable.. how we want it and when we want it.  Our generation has become a stranger to sacrifice because life has grown so much easier over time. We no longer have to struggle as hard to provide for our families, stay healthy and be productive in society. So it only makes sense that we often take the easy way out; easy feels natural to us.

I would like to believe that I am capable of patience and sacrifice but I frequently struggle to act out these qualities in my love life. Unlike most people, I am not tempted by shiny possessions or money. The minute I fall for someone, however, I HAVE to be with them. I have a very difficult time shutting off my feelings, sometimes even when I know it’s wrong to have them. When I am tempted, my inclination is to struggle against it. I know in my heart and in my gut the right decision to make and I try to go with that. God gave “us” (well some of us…) a conscience for a reason. I get a bad feeling in my bones when I know something isn’t right. Most of us know when we are doing wrong but we won’t admit it to ourselves. We live in denial, trying to convince ourselves that our actions are ok…because "the heart wants what it wants".

 

Sometimes, I think that certain things have happened to me in my life BECAUSE I have struggled with this issue. In the past, I have had crushes on people who were unavailable… and then one day, I found myself on the opposite side of the fence. That was a life changer! Now that I'm older and a bit wiser, I try to be considerate of other people. TRY being the opportune word. I still want things that I shouldn't but I pray for God to take away whatever is tempting me and I step away. That’s the hardest step to take for someone who is used to getting what she wants. All of the other stuff is Smooth Sailing.

I guess the point I am trying to make is that no one is exempt from temptation. In your relationship, there must have been a time or two when you felt a connection with someone who was not your partner. We are all susceptible/vulnerable but it's our actions that matter! I’m not trying to preach at anyone and I have no room to do so but I believe that this topic applies to all of us. Maybe some of you can identify with where I’m coming from and if so, I want you to know that you are only human :-)