Overcoming Temptation

All of us who are doing our best to follow Christ know that Satan is trying his hardest to divert us from this path. How he does this is by tempting us. Satan is very very good at this. He knows just what to do so that we start thinking about something that is offensive to the Holy Ghost. Most the time it is very subtle. In my experience most of my thoughts start off innocent. However, by not being mindful of where our minds wander we end up having thoughts that drive the Spirit away. Because of the innocent or curious beginnings we tend to justify delving deeper into our carnal thoughts. By dwelling on carnal and sensual thoughts and feelings, we develop a desire for what we are thinking about. What if Joseph had a different reaction to Potiphar's wife? Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. What if Joseph, at first, didn't lie with her but what's the harm in hanging out and getting to know her better? At first it would be innocent to simply get to know her and spend more time with her. However, if he had done that how much harder would it have been for him to say no when she asked again. And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me (Genesis 39:11-12). Surely beforehand Joseph wouldn't have done it but after spending time with her and becoming closer to her the decision he made would have been much harder to make. and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out (Genesis 39:12). I have come to discover for myself time and time again that the best and easiest way to overcome temptation is to avoid temptation. No matter how innocent and justified a situation or circumstance seems to be. Let us be wise and learn from the example of Joseph of Egypt as well as many other people's experiences and avoid temptations from the beginning.