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the example of Jesus in resisting and dispatching tempations (Maxwell)

Brooding over temptations can produce self pity and a false sense of nobility. Prolonged consideration of the temptation only increases the risks—but it does not increase our options; the two options and the consequences remain the same regardless of our dallying.

Moreover, protracted consideration of a temptation does not increase the justification to succumb—only our rationalization. When we are well taught we know, initially, what must be done. Therefore, to give heed to temptation is, in effect, to “give place” for Satan’s seeds to grow and sprout and to bring forth its bitter harvest. So it was that Jesus, for the first recorded time, met the awful if. It was a word to be repeated later when the stress was even greater. So we should do likewise. Otherwise, to host an if is like hosting an insect that breeds and multiplies in the sun of circumstance. Soon one is crawling with ifs and thereby overcome. Some doubters who are overcome even become proud of their doubts—rather like being proud of one's humility!

Just as quickly as Jesus thus dispatched the first temptation, there came a second. This follow-on episode, too, contains lessons for us. Even past victories can subtly make us vulnerable if we are not careful. It was Paul who warned: “Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.”...

So far as our salvation is concerned, immediacy in rejecting temptation has everything to commend it. Lucifer is best dispatched at the doorstep not after he's been invited in and unpacked his things...

Just as personal goodness in mortality consists of accumulating service rather than a single act, so temptation is not a one time thing either. The points of our personal vulnerability, as Satan cunningly observed them, will be exploited. Lucifer will quote scripture if it helps , or site supposing opportunities for us to do good. He will offer chances for self indulgence and even provide preparatory self-pity–whatever might induce rationalization on our part.

Therefore, our challenge is to do as Jesus did—first to resist temptation by giving it “no heed.” Our doubts will be used against us. Equivalent ifs will be flung at us, like satanic darts designed to inflict pain. Circumstances may be used to cause us to call and request in our true identity and our past spiritual knowledge.

Neal A. Maxwell, "Even As I Am", Chapter 4

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