There are times in our lives when we are severely tempted to commit a sin. It could be any kind of temptation, such as a sexual sin, or maybe a temptation to ruin someone's reputation by a piece of gossip.
Whatever it may be, we may think that the best way to combat it is to face it head on.
We may think that we can defeat it under our own power.
Unfortunately, that is the worst way to defeat a temptation and it will inevitably fail, as we are too weak to stand up against a temptation.
What is the best strategy?
Run
This may seem like a weak response, but St. Francis de Sales advises his readers in his Introduction to the Devout Life to run as fast as you can (either physically or spiritually) away from the temptation:
So soon as you feel yourself anywise tempted, do as our little children when they see a wolf or a bear in the mountains. Forthwith they run to the protection of their father or mother, or at least cry out for help. Do you fly in like manner to God, claiming His compassion and succor,—it is the remedy taught us by our Lord Himself: “Pray that ye enter not into temptation.”
We should run with all of our might into the loving arms of the Blessed Mother and Jesus Christ. They will envelop us with their protecting help and shield us from the temptation.
In the same way, we should firmly renounce the temptation, not giving-in to the Devil's power over us:
Do not argue with your Enemy, and give but one answer,—that with which Our Lord confounded him, “Get thee hence, Satan, for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” Just as the pure wife would make no reply, and cast no glance on the foul seducer who strove to lead her astray, but would straightway fly from him to her husband’s side, not arguing, but cleaving to her lawful lord in renewed fidelity
Running away from a temptation is humiliating, but that is the path to holiness.
If we are to follow after Christ, we need to follow in his footsteps and become "powerless" so that God can work through us.
