Temptation and other common phrases like it, and references to religious icons are just a way to remove accountability and responsibility from the person.
I am not without my temptations, but they are chosen - not third party or outside influences that i dont have control over.
Temptation is defined by websters dictionary as "1 : the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement 2 : something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement".
I argue that it is not "cause" but rather effect.
If i am sitting on the couch and the thought comes that i want a cookie, well it is all over but the chewing, because i have already allowed the want to be 'planted'. Once I want for something then the inevitable effect is that i will follow through with action (action being exemplified by thought, word, action, deed, or otherwise.)
Want, desire, lust and the such, are the cause.
Temptation is the effect of my thinking.
In many areas of my life I have removed temptation by not allowing myself to find it acceptable to want for these things.
In some areas of my life, which i still hope to grow out of or away from, I still allow temptation to exist because I am not ready to let go of these thoughts or obsessions.
I am responsible for the way I think, feel, behave, act, etc.
I have found literature and people that have helped me adapt this seemingly rigid way of life, but I say to you that it is neither rigid nor the implied states of difficult or boring. It is on the contrary very freeing and exciting, allowing me to live a more full and true life.
I suggest you explore "the sermon on the mount" by emmett fox.
I give you permission to be free of this soul stamping mode of operation that is a lie and spirit quelcher - Temptation.
And I charge you with the responsibility of taking on this way of life to make your soul shine and therefore free others to do the same.
