Prov 1:10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. NKJV
What entices us? Where do we get in trouble?
Parties. There is every kind of fat and sugar riddled snacks. There is often alcohol and if not, sugary beverages. Everyone else is enjoying these things, why can't I?
Commercials. We're watching our favorite show or sports and ads for beer, rich junk food, sexual enhancement products, joy-promising medications all seem to call our name tell us it's okay to indulge ourselves. After all, we deserve it don't we?
Friends. These can be the worst. It's no fun to drink alone. Misery loves company even if misery doesn't realize it's miserable. They tell us we can have one drink, on toke, one pill, one Twinkie...
What can we do to protect ourselves from this barrage of enticements? Solomon says simply, "do not consent." Easier said than done, O wise king.
What can I do to keep from consenting?
Pray: procrastinate, read, alter, yearn.
This is one time when Procrastination is a positive thing. Often times, just waiting out the craving is enough to thwart the devil's attempts to draw you into the trap. Do something else. Like pray.
Read something from the Big Book or the Bible until the craving passes.
Alter your habits. If you used to always go get a beer when a commercial came on television, opt instead to read your email, make yourself some tea, or call your sponsor.
Yearn for abstinence more than you desired your crutch. Let your recovery be your crutch. Use the tools you been given to help you on this journey.
Get on the phone and call a sponsor. Take your leave as quickly as possible and get to a meeting. Tell your friend "if you really love me, enjoy a day of sobriety with me." Invite them to a meeting with you. Get new friends. Write in your journal. If you can't avoid all the temptations at a party, don't go to the party. If you can't resist temptation when you watch commercials, get up and go do something the minute they come on. Or better yet, turn the television off and read a good book, go for a walk or meet a friend for coffee. There is an unlimited list of ways you can help yourself through the rough patches.
Whatever you do, don't consent.
Lord, thank You for this simple yet profound wisdom to help us deal with temptations. We know with the Strength of Christ, we can win every battle. We rely on You to see us through. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.
