Overwhelming Temptations

I am sitting here writing a blog post, when I'd much rather not be. The reason being I am afflicted with what many people in this generation suffer from, instant gratification. From scrolling down Facebook feeds to browsing through hundreds of Instagram pictures, our inclination towards immediate rewards has put us in a world where our backs are turned to global warming and slow internet connection is the next worst thing. Productive hobbies like reading a book suffer at the hands of more exciting options like watching Youtube clips. Especially nowadays with smartphones and social media, getting distracted is that much easier. I've already visited every social media platform and watched a couple videos by the time you have read this sentence. The sad reality is our generations ability to reap long-term benefits by exercising self-control are being overwhelmed by daily temptations.

Lust: For Work

Your self-worth is not built on being a 'good' blogger. Stop worrying about answering every question perfectly and consistently making life-changing posts. God is not concerned about you glorifying him perfectly without mistake so long as you do it earnestly and for Him. You have friends around you that care about you and do not neglect them because of your work. Don't forget birthdays or rush lunches because you have a post you want to work on. Balance is key and while blogging is work for God it will not be perfect like anything else. Don't feel pressured to answer comments or be distracted by a bad post to the point where it affects your daily life. Blogging is work. Make sure to manage your friends, health, personal interests, and work all equally. There are many ways to glorify God, blogging is only one of them. 

I've been feeling pretty encouraged lately and thought I would start a new kind of post that future me can use when the times get tough and I am not seeing so clearly. I'll try to categorize them all as the seven deadly sins for now for organization's sake and make sub-categories as I go. 

Wrath/Pride: Feeling Offended

Stop being so sensitive and taking offense to critics. You are probably feeling threatened because you might be wrong. Take a step back and analyze what kind of shit is being thrown at you whether it is bullshit or good shit. While the other person may be completely wrong about you, it is only because of a misunderstanding and at the very least the criticism shows they care enough to let you know what they think. 

Sloth: Feeling lazy

Get off your ass you entitled, spoiled little brat. People out there don't have the luxury to enjoy free time because they are busy working minute by minute, tooth and nail to scrap up enough cash to afford a few grains of rice so they don't die of starvation. Find something to do, whether its picking up a book, helping a friend, making money, or exercising, use your time wisely.  

Lust

Lust is a feeling of intense desire in the body. Most of the times we mean physical lust but the lust for wealth, knowledge, intimacy, power, and everything else is just as dangerous. There will be times you will be overcome with intense emotions but remember that discipline is the pillar that will keep your emotions in balance. Keep a safety net by creating emotional and logical triggers in your brain that go off in certain situation that you know may initiate an over the top emotional response. Know when to avoid the situation or when you are disciplined enough to be in control. Don't let your emotions govern your actions. If the hulk can do it so can you.