As I was studying temptation I came across this on LDS.org:

“The last days in which we live are especially “perilous times” (2 Timothy 3:1). The influence of the adversary is widespread and seductive. Satan tries to deceive and to make sin seem appealing. But each individual can defeat Satan and overcome temptation. Each individual has the gift of agency—the power to choose good over evil. Those who humble themselves before God and pray continually for strength will not be “tempted above that which [they] can bear” (Alma 13:28). As they willingly obey the commandments, Heavenly Father strengthens them to withstand temptation.” Temptation

This quote idetifies being “humble before God” and “Pray continually” as keys to resist Satan’s temptation. Right?

Read Alma 13:28 and see what is missing?

They left out “WATCH“!!!!

Have you ever heard that “Watching” is part of the “Armour of God?” When we talk about the “Armour of God” we typically reference Ephesians 6:11-17

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Check out Ephesians 6:18 the very next verse:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching …

Is it possible that “WATCHING” is part of the “armour of God?” My answer, “YES.”

Why do we so quickly overlook the importance of “WATCHING” as we talk about resisting temptation?

Check these scriptures out:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him. 3 Nephi 18:15

 

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

 

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat. 3 Nephi 18:18

 

But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; Alma 13:28

 

Be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing. Alma 34:39

Also see: Alma 15:17; Moroni 6:4; D&C 82:5; Mark 14:38; D&C 50:46 

Clearly “watching” is as important as “praying” if you are to be successful against Satan!

But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. Mosiah 4:30

Any strategy to resist temptation without “watching” is insufficient and will fail. 

“As a Child” Henry B. Eyring April 2006 Conference

Jesus says:  

And what I say unto you I say unto all,

WATCH..Mark 13:37

ARE YOU WATCHING?

dr rick
(C) 2015