Then I Said No

Temptation comes when a desirable object is seen, heard or even imagined. “Seen,” because our eyes are the first consignee of a beautiful coveted one; “heard,” ‘cause our ears are usually the receptor for unwanted suggestions; “imagined,” ‘cause everything starts with a thought, an idea. Our imagination is the most powerful key to temptation.

The unsuspecting victim abandons reason, then the desired object is obtained. And as always, regret comes in the end.

But like most roads, there are U-turns where we can redirect our path away from temptation. Kahit ang U-turn ay kasing gulo ng u-turn ng MMDA.

We can avoid it even at its different stages. Before, during, and, though at times it may all be too late, the ”after” still do counts.

Before

Avoid it at all cost. Usually I say, do not even place yourself in that very compromising situation. Vigilance always is a great tool in battle.

In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them. Pr 22:5

Thus sometimes I just don’t get why women wonder why they get sexually taunted, whistled at by kanto boys when they wear skimpy pekpek shorts and deeper-than-the-marianas-trench neckline. Gurl, you’re clearly asking for it and should’ve seen it coming your way.

Freudian symbols such as how you are dressed would eventually suggest a “Yes! Come for me” which will eventually initiate a reaction from others (kaya ako, magpapaka geeky tweetums nalang, mahirap na marape, LOL). So to the flirts and the haliparots, please be kind to your fellow men. Don’t be such a tease (Ouch!).

And even at this new age, when texting can also become a means of self prostitution, I learned not to answer anonymous “Hi” which can eventually be followed by “Can you be mine?” when answered. Puhleease! Old school na yan, magpapabitag ka pa ba? Do not fall under those cheap old tactics.

To win over temptation, do not even face it, the time to SAY NO is BEFORE it even happens.

During

But if suddenly you find yourself submerged in the dark pool already, resist it as much as you can. Flee from it even if you have to literally run, then by all means, do run (‘twas actually a funny experience, running away from temptation, hehe).

There will always be a way out.

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; and
God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

I Cor 10:13

There is a thin line between control and total surrender, that when crossed, retreat is almost impossible. Desire affects judgement, thus at variant levels of arousal, the brain’s center for vigilance experiences a shutdown.

After

Though with some (or most of us), we suddenly find ourselves submerged already in the dark pool of temptation, almost unaware that we have already been caught in the trap of dangerous attraction.
Still one can still cry out for freedom. Getting out of it is still a choice. The human mind still has the power to decide to move away and overcome ones natural tendencies and weakness of the flesh. One would just have to find that tiny glimmer of hope in ones subconscious.

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. It is better for you to loose one of your members than to have your whole body thrown into the Gehenna…

Mt. 5: 29

Of course the passage isn’t talking about dismembering yourself literally. It simply means letting go of something (or someone) that have caused you all the temptation. Moving away from it is usually the hardest, for it presents it self as something so beautiful and usually ones source of happiness. And you’d ask, how can something so beautiful be also bad for you?

No, I beat my body and make it my slave…

1 Cor 9:27

Mastering oneself is a hard task one must achieve. The hardest battle after all is the battle within. Habit can be such a hard opponent, but can also be your best ally. It takes time. One step at a time.
And after you’ve succeeded, strengthen yourself and you’ll be able to finally SAY NO.

If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.

Genesis 4:7

And no, contrary to a blogger friend’s claim that there a large percentage of people who are in it for polygamy or who thinks infidelity is a natural way to go, I daresay, please look again. Like all juicy news, the “sexy” is often highlighted, and the “boring” usually unseen. Fairy tales do happen you just need to look closely and be inspired. One doesn’t need to conform to what’s popular and even those said to be more “practical.” One just needs to see what’s beautiful (but of course, everyone has the choice of what’s more appropriate for them, to each his own, wag nyo ako pakialaman, di ko kayo pakikialaman).

Thus,

…to those who still believe in waiting for that special someone… please SAY NO to temptation

….to those who still believe in monogamy, please SAY NO to the call of the flesh

… to those who still believe in the concept of forever, please SAY NO to those dangerous nights

Please SAY NO… ang ayaw panget, makati at desperado lang kumirengkeng kasi wala nang ibang mahanap na kekerengkeng sa kanila (joke lang po, ang tamaan panget este pikon, hehe).
Of course, still this is just an opinion. No need to react violently. Walang basagan ng trip.

But if you do decide to be a part of this campaign, please feel free to use the badge I placed on this post or, you may make your own.

Friends, please welcome, the “I SAY NO” campaign (Ang kumontra di marunong magluto ng paella).

Idealist eh? Not too much. Pa tweetums daw eh, edi panindigan! Patweetums tlaga! Haha!
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Disclaimer: Some passages based from my pastor’s sermon, though not all may reflect the church’s stand some are the own author’s thoughts.
And no, I don't claim patent to righteousness, I am far from it. "I said no" is a commitment still in progress. Ayt? So, dili man gyud ako hipokrito. mau jud!
Image borrowed from www.outsidesales.files.wordpress.com since I don’t know how to use photoshop or any image editing thingy.