The changing shape of temptation

For most people, the start of the New Year entails listing down resolutions that they hope to hold on to for the rest of 2013. But it seems that making and breaking resolutions have become a tradition for some.

Image source: voxxi.com

Barna Group, a research and resource company which conducts studies that center on the intersection of faith and culture, has recently released the result of its latest survey on what temptations  Americans commonly struggle with. According to the report, resolutions relating to technology have become common. The research reveals that 44 percent of the respondents say they are tempted to spend too much time with media, including the Internet, television, and video games. Another "new" media-related temptation is to express anger or "go off" on someone via text message or e-mail. As for "old" temptations, 55 percent admit they struggle with overeating.

Image source: barna.org

The more "traditional" sins included in the survey are:

• About one-third of Americans admit to spending too much money (35 percent)
• One-quarter say they are tempted to gossip (26 percent)
• 24 percent struggle with envy or jealousy
• 12 percent admit to being tempted to lie or cheat
• 11 percent are tempted by alcohol or drugs

Barna Group’s research provides an insight on what kind of temptations most people struggle with every day. It also shows that although most Americans (59 percent) do not do anything specific to avoid temptation, some (18 percent) still pray and ask God for strength when tempted.

Image source: intentionalpursuit.com

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