Increased Temptation

One conversation that my boyfriend and I have had is that our current situation causes temptation to increase. Our schedules have been so busy that we've hardly had time for one another. It seems like for over the past month we've been running on what I would consider a deficit of quality time. Every time we do get to be together it seems like we're playing catch-up. For both of us our love-language is physical touch- which means that we feel loved when we are being touched. Physical touch isn't necessarily sexual, but just touching in general. It can be anything like hugs, hand-holding, and sitting close to one another. Since we don't see each other much, we miss out on those little things that add up. Those things make us feel full and loved. When we do see each other it's as if we have to make up for all of those days in a short amount of time. I feel as though since our time is limited we need to make it count. This has led to trouble as the physical touch goes past appropriateness. I am SO TIRED of feeling like I'm in the negative. I am SO TIRED of not having enough. I feel a bit hopeless because the situation doesn't seem like it's going to change anytime soon.

Increase of temptation does not mean an excuse to sin. I was created to do what's right- not what's easy. I was created to be strong. I have the power of God living inside of me. I am powerful. I am in control of my choices.

In the book Moral Revolution (by Kris Vallotton & Havilah Cunnington) it teaches about creating a purity plan. Yes it's good to have purity goals, but it is just as important to have a plan to accomplish those goals.

Off the top of my head, here are some things that I need to consider in order to make pure choices:

Honesty:

• Admitting (to yourself and aloud to the other person)- I am tempted, I feel weak, I need help

Selflessness:

• Not just seeking to fulfill one's own desires. (I want to feel loved, so I will get you to  (or allow you to) kiss me lots... ext)
• Actually wanting to help the other person make good choices, even when you won't be getting as much affection.
• Wanting the other person to be able to respect themselves and be respectable.
• Wanting to make it easier for the other person to make good choices, instead of increasing temptation. 
• Wanting what's good for the other person spiritually instead of sexually. (yes this may please him sexually, but is it actually beneficial?)
• Wanting to give rather than receive.
• I will do what is loving. 
• I will not use another person for my benefit.  

Thinking with your brain:

• Emotions may make you "feel" like you need a sexual experience.
• What other ways can you get what you need?
• Separating needs from wants?
• Evaluating what is helpful. 
• If you actually think about it you would probably be able to tell that it's a bad idea. 

Praying

• When you don't know the answer ask God
• Trust Him to help.

Prayer:

God, I feel like I've been selfish. I've been so desperate for time and affection. My thoughts have been "me, me, me." Help me to love more. Help me to consider others as more important than myself. Help me to seek to give. Help me to find ways to not feel so needy. Fulfill my needs with your Spirit. Help me to make good choices. Help me to make choices that are helpful and not harmful. Give me an increase of wisdom. Help me to decipher my wants from my needs, what is real from what is a lie. Help me to understand my feelings and respond with power. Help me to always remember that I am a powerful person. I can do hard things