Chemical Scale - Level 3: "Dude!" Moment

This is the fourth in a series of articles on the Chemical Scale

Level 3 is the first moment of temptation. This is when the actual thought to do something against your value system occurs. By this point we want some form of relief from our stresses or bothers.

You can experience Level 3 several times before you reach the Irrational Conversation at Level 4. You will likely keep receiving these tempting thoughts until you either win the battle or sink down to Level 4.

We call this "The 'Dude!' Moment" because Satan seems to use that kind of false comradery when he tempts young men. He'll act like your best bud while leading you into a snake pit. "Dude! Nobody's home, you know what we could do right now?"

"Dude! It's been a while since you've taken a break. You've been working hard, you deserve to treat yourself."

Using our cookies at work example from the previous articles, this is the first time the thought "Those cookies really look good" enters your mind. Other possible examples might be: "Dude! Those cookies look so good! It would be rude not to have one." Or maybe, "Dude! You're starving! You could use a snack.”

It may even be so subtle that you find yourself reaching for a cookie almost without knowing it. With patience and practice you can become more aware of these shifts. As you get better at detecting Level 2 and Level 1, "Dude! Moments" will become more obvious.

When you are trying to learn how to recognize your Level 3’s it is helpful to try and identify recent ones that you have had.  As you find them, try to identify patterns that Satan is using against you. You will likely discover that Satan uses the same tactic against you over and over again.  Look for a common time.  Does the temptation come when you are closer to waking up, closer to going to bed, or somewhere in between?  Look for common locations.  Does Satan attack you in front of the TV, in the break room at work, at school?  Is there a common tactic that he uses?

In my own battles, Satan often attacks me a little before I need to go to bed.  He knows that I make poor decisions when I am tired.  If he can convince me that I am utterly exhausted and then present me with something that is against my value system, I am more likely to do something stupid or that I will regret later.

When you are this far into the Chemical Scale, it is best to run to your Flagpole or do something else that raises your heart rate. Sometimes that isn't an option. Perhaps you are in a class or meeting where standing up and leaving would not be appropriate. This would be a good time to use a Thought Shield. A Thought Shield is a picture or note you carry with you that is both meaningful to you and helps bring you back to a good place. Many people use a favorite picture of Jesus Christ, a note card with their reasons for fighting or a scripture they are memorizing, or perhaps a picture of their family. You carry this item with you at all times, and when you are tempted you pull it out, look at it, and say "This is my Thought Shield."

Next we will focus on Level 2: UnedifyingEmotions.

To hire me as your life coach where we can create a plan to put the above principles into practice for you, follow this link.  Fighting Like a Dragon - Life Coaching