7. Understand how temptation works – First there is the thought that you might do a particular thing. Then comes the surge of desire. Then comes a stronger urge in which you argue with yourself. By then it’s too late. Resist the temptation as soon as the thought comes to you. Remember the deliverance ministry and do a self deliverance. Rebuke Satan and you can even say out loud, “Go away Satan.”
8. Use sacramentals – The St Benedict medal, the scapular, the rosary, the Sacred Scriptures–all these are weapons in the spiritual battle. Learn how to wield them and use them actively.
9. Pray that you will see the sin for what it really is – You will not rid yourself of the sin until you are truly disgusted by it. Imagine being addicted to bacon cheeseburgers. You will only kick the habit when you get to the point where you see a picture of a bacon cheeseburger and say, “Ughhh! Why would I want to eat that greasy lump of dead animal stuck between that gooey bun dripping with that revolting ketchup?” So pray that your desires will be purified and you will be attracted to all that is beautiful, good and true.
10. Find a good confessor and stay with him – The serious penitent returns to the confessor and builds a relationship so he can see that progress is being made. If your parish priest isn’t that person find one who is and value him. He’ll help you overcome the sins that keep troubling you.
11. Don’t give up – Whatever you do, don’t give up. Don’t tell yourself that your sin is not a sin. That way destruction lies. Instead face up to the sin and keep up with the struggle. It’s the beautiful struggle! Don’t give up!
12. Remember God is on your side – Too many Catholics are on some kind of weird guilt trip as if God is in the business of watching people so he can give them a smack when they get out of line. Believe me. God is in exactly the opposite business. “God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved.” (Jn 3:17) Will you try to get it into your head that God is looking for every opportunity to forgive you–not for every opportunity to condemn you? He is not willing for any to perish. Take heart.