Being tempted to do something and then not doing it is more then likely a psychological response to some form of guilt or you believe you may regret it later. Curiosity can influence our thoughts and possibly even justify our decisions if we move forward and act on our temptations.
If you're attracted to something should you act on this temptation? You may regret later that you didn't, or you may regret that you did, but either way you won't know if you don't act. Temptation in many peoples mind has a negative cognitive effect and they will associate the word within the moral context of religion and sin. Although being tempted to sin would be questionable, because sin in one persons mind might mean something completely different in another. Being tempted to eat a piece of food you know you shouldn't because you are on a diet would not be a sin, although you will certainly feel guilty for eating it, but no moral consequences will result.
"original sin" from The Old Testament. This is the story of Adam eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of life, which made him responsible for the sins of humanity. An alternative view is that the forbidden fruit is not a fruit at all, but a metaphorical one, possibly the fruit of the womb, i.e. sex and procreation from the tree of life. Another view is that it's any indulgence or pleasure that is considered illegal or immoral. It seems every religion has their own interpretation and punishment for temptation but the truth is, nothing will happen, because temptation is considered "Free Will" which is all the rage now with religions.
Temptation has deeply rooted moral implications in religious scripture which goes back to the story of Adam & Eve and the |
Your willpower to resist temptation comes from inside your brain, and choosing what is right from wrong and identifying these challenges to make the right decision will affect your success. The importance of patience, and not reacting to quickly is extremely important and will keep you on the right track, even on your worst days. The mind works in two different ways; what will be the long term consequences of my actions, and what will be the short term consequences. Controlling which aspect wins out is the key to willpower.
Are you tempted to tell a Lie? What about cheat, steal or hurt someone either physically or emotionally? and if you do what would be the moral implications? These are tough because it really depends on the situation. Lying in court, not a good idea but lying to not hurt someones feelings would be acceptable. Our temptations require thought before acting and not just reacting otherwise negative consequences could result.
If we refrain or abstain from or temptations completely we may never discover many things about ourselves, such as learning something new, or trying something new or meeting someone new, simply because we aren't willing to make the attempt. Be curious but use good judgement, think it through before you react, but don't resist your temptations without considering all the possibilities that may lead to positive consequences.
The term temptation is usually associated with the lack of self control it's something that allures, excites and seduces our imagination and these are not bad things under the right circumstances and using good judgement.
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