valYOU meal: Satan Exposed

Satan is real!

“We Latter-day Saints need not be, and we must not be, deceived by the sophistries of men concerning the reality of Satan. There is a personal devil, and we had better believe it,” (Marion G. Romney, “Satan, the Great Deceiver,” Ensign, Feb. 2005, pgs. 52–57). He’s not a cartoon character.  Satan does not have horns, cloven hoofs, a pointed tail or carry a pitch fork! He does not have any physical body!  Satan is as much a personal individual spirit being as you.  Satan wants us to believe that he does not exist! (2 Nephi 28:22).

Personal Battle

Satan has a plan. He knows us and our weaknesses.

-In Satan’s rebellion against God, he “sought to destroy the agency of man” (Moses 4:3). 

-Satan has the “power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you” (2 Ne. 2:29);  And

-“He grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance”  (2 Ne. 28:19–22).

President David O. McKay said:

“Your greatest weakness will be the point at which Satan will try to tempt you, will try to win you; and if you have made yourself weak, he will add to that weakness,” (“The Temptations in Life,” Improvement Era, July 1968, p. 3).

For example, if you’re struggling with pornography, Satan will tempt you to believe that it is not “that serious” and leave that door open!

How Satan’s Plan Works

When you do an inappropriate sexual behavior, there are only two ways to deal with it,

Lord’s Way - to repent and do what is necessary to change

                                                                  OR

Satan’s Way- to rationalize the seriousness of the behavior and its eventual consequences.

Satan’s way will lead you to do an inappropriate sexual behavior  when you “rationalize”.

“Everyone does it.”

 “It’s no big deal.”

 “It’s not my fault.”

 “I did not.”

 “If I don’t tell anyone, no one will ever know.”

Elder Dallin Oaks reminds you when you choose the Lord’s way you will “Acknowledge the evil. Don’t defend it [inappropriate sexual behavior] or try to justify yourself.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Pornography,” Ensign, May 2005) 

Yes, sexual habits are powerful.

You can make permanent change.  

Take courage. Have faith. Choose the Lord’s Way!

Super Deluxe VALYOU MEAL

Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Suggested Activities

-Watch: Video of Elder Neal A. Maxwell

-Read or Listen to Love Vs Lust Kimball, Spencer W. BYU Speeches January 05, 1965.

-Study the following saying:

Love vs. Lust

In your Reaching For Virtue  Workbook explain what is the difference.