“We’re talkin’ temptation…”
Deception…lies…trickery…fooling yourself…being fooled by others…good intentions and not so good intentions…self-glorification…desires…disobedience…..deviation…misplaced loyalty…false claims…quick fixes…control…gaining the upper-hand…we have our reasons for succumbing to temptation.
When it comes to temptations – we are surrounded with them 24/7.
And more importantly, we can “quite easily” be “more than willingly” led astray.
We give in – waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too quickly! Waaaaaaaay too easilt!
Temptation has been called “a fundamental desire” to engage in short-term urges for enjoyment.
In the context of some religions, temptation is the “inclination to sin.”
Temptation also describes “the coaxing” or “inducing a person” into committing such an act, by manipulation or otherwise by curiosity, desire or fear of loss.
Sometimes it is actually something as simple as just “keeping up with the Joneses.”
Because they have it – I need it.
In the context of self-control – temptation is described as an immediate, “pleasurable urge” and/or “an impulse” that disrupts an individual’s ability to wait for the long-term goals, in which that individual hopes to attain.
We simply want what we want – when we want it. And usually, we want it NOW!
It doesn’t matter if we cannot afford it or not.
It doesn’t matter if it is right or wrong…
It doesn’t matter “what we have to do” in order to get it.
It doesn’t matter if it is good for us…
It doesn’t matter if it is harmful to us…
It is based on that “all-consuming pleasurable urge.”
I have to do it now. I have to have it – right now.
I tell you, we are something else.
Self-control is “commonly used” to resist temptation.
The problem is – we do not always exhibit “self-control.”
And many of us will simply cry-out that we have no “self control.” (As if, it is not our fault, but rather – the fault be placed – elsewhere.)
I think we often “forget or refuse to acknowledge” that “desires” vary in “strength and in there duration.”
And unfortunately, sometimes we are not willing “to endure them.”
We claim to not have “the strength.”
We claim to be “weak.”
Or perhaps, we just choose not to…fight-back and simply choose to “give in.”
We are really good at deflecting the blame…pointing it away from ourselves…or simply by concluding that we are “just human.”
It is usually never our fault. The blame lies elsewhere.
That’s why the temptations of Jesus are so interesting.
Of course, right off, we need to acknowledge that it is – Jesus that we are talking about. It is not Fred or Sylvia.
Jesus “owned” his temptations.
For Jesus – it was all about being loyal, about being faithful, about being obedient.
Jesus was true to himself and his core values and beliefs.
He did not give in.
He did not play the game.
He did not redirect blame.
Stones to bread would have been a quick fix.
Quick fix coalitions can have counterproductive consequences. Jesus refused to be in league with evil.
Everyone wants to be entertained. Most of us love a thrill. Food, favors and fantasies are powerful temptations.
Jesus fought them all.
He remained loyal, faithful and obedient.
Jesus was not about to let anyone have the upper-hand over him.
At least, not now, not here, in the middle of nowhere-land.
A time to submit will come. This is not the time for submission. This is the time for a show of strength.
Whoever said, you must pick your battles – was right on.
This one was worth battling over. This one, was worth winning…
The time was right.
Some time you have to take a stand, be true to yourself…and understand the consequences or the “game” that is being played.
Jesus had game.
He proved it.
Be strong. Hold firm. And fight the “good fight” of faith.
Always pick your battles – but do so, wisely!
Amen.