There are a few things in life you can count on: taxes, slow drivers in the fast lane, another season of Law & Order, and comedians who aren’t funny.
And temptation.
“There is no temptation that has overtaken you except what is common to man. 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 endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
How does this work? Let me suggest the DEADS method.
- Delay: Commit to not acting out yet.
- Escape: Plan a way out, before the temptation hits.
- Accept: Know that temptations are a part of life.
- Distract: Practice thought replacement.
- Substitute: Change your environment; engage in a fresh activity.
Recovery Step: You will be tempted today. That’s a given. How you respond is not. Try the DEADS method.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
