1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Ne. 15:24; Alma 34:39; refer in this text to 2 Ne.1:13, 23; 2 Ne. 28:19-22
“Some transgressions are so powerful that it is unlikely that you will begin to overcome them without another’s help. Seek that help. In time, with the strength that comes from continued use of agency to live truth, you will be healed through the Savior.” (Richard G. Scott, Ensign, Nov. 1992, p.62)
[A letter to Gordon B. Hinckley which he shared in General Conference] “I am a 35-year-old male and am a convert to the Church of more than ten years. For most of my adult life I have been addicted to pornography. I am ashamed to admit this. My addiction is as real as that of an alcoholic or a drug addict… . I think it is ironic that those who support the business of pornography say that it is a matter of freedom of expression. I have no freedom. I have lost my free agency because I have been unable to overcome this. It is a trap for me, and I can’t seem to get out of it. Please, please, please, plead with the brethren of the Church to not only avoid but eliminate the sources of pornographic material in their lives… . Pray for me and others in the Church who may be like me to have the courage and strength to overcome this terrible affliction.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 51)
“Often 1 Cor. 10:13 is quoted to suggest that God will somehow snatch us from any and all circumstances and not permit us to be tempted beyond our ability to withstand. Alma seems to be saying that we have a responsibility in this matter - a responsibility to earnestly strive through prayer and humility to avoid circumstances that may bring overpowering temptations.” (Larry E. Dahl, Studies in Scripture, ed. by K. Jackson, 7:320)
“… sin is intensely habit-forming and sometimes moves men to the tragic point of no return … . As the transgressor moves deeper and deeper in his sin, and the error is entrenched more deeply and the will to change is weakened, it becomes increasingly near-hopeless, and he skids down and down until either he does not want to climb back or he has lost the power to do so.” (Spencer W. Kimball, Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 117)
“All beings who have bodies have power over those who have not. The devil has no power over us only as we permit him. The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God the devil takes power.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 181, 187, 189)
“Satan is still trying to take away our free agency by persuading us to voluntarily surrender our will to his… . Some people are more susceptible to some addictions than other people… . One person has a taste for nicotine and is easily addicted to smoking. Another person cannot take an occasional drink without being propelled into alcoholism. Another person samples gambling and becomes a compulsive gambler… . We all seem to have susceptibilities to one disorder or another, but whatever our susceptibilities, we have the will and the power to control our thoughts and our actions… . A person who insists that he is not responsible for the exercise of his free agency because he was ‘born that way’ is trying to ignore the outcome of the War in Heaven. We are responsible, and if we argue otherwise, our efforts become part of the propaganda effort of the adversary.” (Dallin H. Oaks, BYU Devotional & Fireside Speeches, pp. 44-46)