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Avoid Near Occasions

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The habit of avoiding near occasions to sin enables you to grow in virtue, which leads to true happiness. The Bible tells us, "Do not let your passions be your guide, but keep your desires in check. If you allow yourself to satisfy your passions, they will make you the laughingstock of your enemies." (Sirach 18:30-31) It also tell us to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2)

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The goal of this habit is to avoid the following near occasions every day and to replace them with better habits:​

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• Using a mobile device or computer for "doomscrolling" or other unnecessary/immoral purposes

• Using the phone in the bathroom

• Playing immoral video games

• Watching immoral TV shows or movies

• Consuming more than 1 serving of sweet foods or drinks

• Consuming more than 1 serving of alcohol (or any alcohol if addicted to it)

• Using recreational drugs or tobacco

• Exceeding the recommended dosage of medications or supplements

• Making unnecessary/immoral purchases

• Listening to music with immoral lyrics

• Interacting flirtatiously or suggestively outside of marriage

• Holding onto anger and resentment

• Procrastinating with doing tasks that need to be done

• Being late when punctuality is expected

• Contributing to gossip

• Using foul language

• Lying or being deceptive/secretive

• Escaping/Avoiding uncomfortable situations