1 of 77

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

to be tolerant of those who are different from me; I must not badger them about my own faith. In the name of political correctness, I must not publicly acknowledge God. As I gradually kick God out of my life, I begin to wonder why He has abandoned me. It becomes easier and easier to succumb to temptations. Pornography doesn't seem so bad in a Godless life. I no longer see the harm in overindulgence. What harm is there in stealing a $20 CD from a multi-billion dollar corporation? Once the Tempter has convinced me that I can be my own god, anything goes. When I pray, the Holy Spirit provides me with the gifts of understanding, right judgment and fortitude. With these gifts, I can recognize the lies of the Tempter and I have the courage to reject the lies that are so readily accepted in the culture I live in. I can be in the world and not be of it.

Apathy

A "still small voice" in my heart tells me that my neighbor is dying alone in a nearby nursing home. But the voice is drowned out by a plethora of television advertisements. Rather than visiting my sick neighbor, I find myself in a theater watching the latest anti-God movie. On the way into the grocery store, I am greeted by a Salvation Army volunteer. I tell her to catch me on my way out. Then I make it a point to exit through a different door. I am indifferent to the suffering of the people around me. Through prayer, the Holy Spirit grants me piety and fear of the Lord to combat the temptations that come with apathy.

Over time desensitization, confusion, lies and apathy can separate me from God. All hope may seem to be lost. But with God, hope remains until the end. No matter how well the Tempter has deceived me, the truth never changes. It is not subject to the media, cultural trends, or even my own feelings. The gifts of the Holy Spirit help me to recognize what is true and to make my choices accordingly. The Tempter really hates that!

Learn more about this author, Jacci DiCarlo.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about What methods does Satan use to tempt people??
We want to hear your view. Write now!