I try to understand that temptation has two possible outcomes...I can either go with it (slowly) or turn my back on it.
Going with it slowly means that I carefully weigh all of my options. Is this good or bad? If it's bad, then how is it bad? If I'm going to do this thing, I shouldn't run and get it over with. Instant gratification. But take my time and think things through. Maybe if I weigh things out, I'll come to a better state of mind where the temptation is no longer there.
Temptation is everywhere! I'm not going to be afraid of it, and I'm not going to give myself the high and mighty and say that temptation will never, ever get me again. This is something that we learned in AA...never say never, because we just set ourselves up again. I try not to give myself any power or glory over anything - but understand that with God's help, I can make it through.
What kind of temptation am I faced with? Sex is a big one for Christian men, I think (it is for me). It's on TV, it's in the magazines, in the news. The way they throw it around, it seems like the norm these days. Everybody's doing the bad things but me. Or that's what the devil wants me to believe. Look at all the fun everybody is having! They're all doing it! Heck, they even trade spouses on TV! What are you waiting for?
When society makes a sin seem so right, there's something wrong. There's kids killing each other in gangs, and they glorify it on TV, practically. There's video games where the main goal is to steal a sportscar. Keep up with the Jonses (covet) or they're going to make you look weaker. Judge other people, keep a list of everybody's sins but your own. Gossip, it's what we're meant to do. People are so into pleasing one another these days, they've forgotten who we were fashioned for. Whose pleasure are we created for?
It's hard sometimes for me to think - don't rush or run in to sin. My body and mind say one thing...but my heart knows better. God is my Father, and I love Him so much that I don't want to make him sad. Jesus is my Savior, and I want to strengthen my relationship with Him.
I was once so hungry that I would have gladly eaten eggshells, I'm serious. Sin can be like a chilidog to someone who is that hungry. It can feel so good, yeah, no matter what it is. But it's over soon. My Father in Heaven has an entire banquet table of feasts prepared for me as a reward if I live by His rules now.