Temptations

     There is a vast difference between being tempted and yielding to it.  

And yet, if I know in advance that certain places will tempt me and I go 

there anyway, I am guilty of each temptation that comes my way.

     The way to deal with temptations is to look away from them and at 

the Lord.  if you are still subject to them, continue to resist.  There is 

no sin as long as you say no.

     For every great temptation there will be many small ones.  Wolves 

and bears are more dangerous than flies, but we are bothered most by 

the latter.  You may never murder anyone, but you will certainly 

become angry.  You may avoid adultery, but it is not easy to control 

your eyes.  You may never steal anything from your neighbor but you 

may covet it.

     Let these flies and gnats buzz around you.  Instead of fighting with 

them, do the very opposite of what the temptation is suggesting.  For 

instance, if you are tempted to be vain, think about the troubles of 

others.  If you are greedy, remember how death will take it all away 

from you, and then go give something away or pass up a profit.  Make 

the effort and you will be hardened against future temptations.

                                   Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life

Who is Francis de Sales? Saint Francis de Sales, August 21, 1567-

December 28, 1622, was Bishop of Geneva and a Roman Catholic saint. 

As an accomplished preacher he sought to bring Protestants back to 

Catholicism. He is mostly known for his writings on spiritual formation.

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