Avoid Temptation

I would like to echo the article written by Dr. Harold J. Sala in his column “Strength for Today” in the Sunday Magazine for Philippine Star on August 6, 2017. I believe that in the news items that came out recently in tri-media, no to mention the social media, this article proves its importance. Dr. Sala simply called his piece “Safeguarding your moral purity.”

Guidelines for Moral Survival

1. “Never think: “It couldn’t happen to me.” All of us are vulnerable to temptation.

2. Guard your thought life. Every act of indiscretion begins with a thought. That’s why what you watch, what you look and what you listen to influence your life.

3. Keep your relationship with the God vibrant and alive. Always pray. Keep in touch with Him on a daily basis. Go to confession. Attend retreats. Always have time for meditation.

4. If you’re married, keep it alive and vibrant. “The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence. The grass is greener where you water it.”

5. Never ignore the tragic consequences of moral failure. Infidelity results in broken homes 85 percent of the time. Of course, there can be forgiveness and restoration, but it’s risky at best.

6. Don’t allow yourself to be vulnerable. Don’t put yourselves in situations where you’ll even be tempted. “Be careful, watch out the attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion looking for some victims to tear apart (1 Peter 5:8).”

7. Be accountable to a group of peers. Your friends can ask you hard questions that you must be willing to answer. Lead them the right path. Guide your children so they will grow up God-fearing.