Young Men Lesson 19: Overcoming Temptation

Manual 1; Excerpt from "Avoiding the Trap of Sin," by Jairo Mazzagardi

Discussion Questions
• What are some deceptions Satan uses to tempt us to break a commandment or lower our standards? (see 2 Nephi 28:7–9, 20–22). What can we do to overcome his deceptions?
• What can you do to maintain your standards when those around you have different values?

Excerpt from "Avoiding the Trap of Sin" by Elder Jairo Mazzagardi, October 2010 General Conference:

We must be alert because small choices can bring great consequences, just as going to bed early and waking up early have great consequences. Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 teaches us, “Arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.” Those who go to bed early wake up rested, with the body and mind invigorated and blessed by the Lord because of obedience.

What may appear to be of little importance, such as going to bed late, not praying for a day, skipping fasting, or breaking the Sabbath—such little slips—will make us lose sensitivity little by little, allowing us to do worse things.

When I was a teenager, my curfew was 10:00 p.m. Today, that is the time some go out in order to have fun. Yet we know that it is at night that some of the worst things happen. It is during the dark hours that some youth go to places with inappropriate environments, where music and lyrics do not allow them to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Then, under these circumstances, they become easy prey to sin.

Often, becoming prey to sin starts with someone choosing friends whose standards are not consistent with the gospel; and in order to be popular or to be accepted by peers, the person then compromises gospel principles and laws, going down a path that will bring only pain and sadness to this person and to his or her loved ones.

To read the full talk, click here.

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