We are all aware – of life’s many temptations. They are constant. They can be daily. Sometimes even hourly!
Even the simplest decisions can be full of temptations…sometimes with “devastating consequences”…and sometimes, “not so much!”
Big Mac or Salad sans the dressing?
Exercising or playing the couch potato?
“Little white lies” aren’t really lies, are they?
Saving for a “rainy day” or “maxing out” the old plastic?
Opening our mouths and letting go with a “tirade” or relying heavily on the filters that we have been given?
Worship or pulling the covers – back over our heads…
You guys are good.
Allow me to go out on limb here – and say that most of us are not tempted to do – truly “diabolical things…”
We are not “diabolical people.”
Like I said, you guys are GOOD. You ARE!
You are not about to carjack a vehicle….or to abduct a child…or harm someone, just for the sheer pleasure or joy of doing it…
But when it comes to temptation, we are all tempted…all of us. No one is above being tempted.
One cookie won’t matter.
Driving after a couple of cocktails won’t hurt…anyone…
Taking home stuff from the office – I can use at home…doesn’t count…
Slacking off at work or at school or with homework assignments…not studying for that next test…not listening…talking back…the list can be endless…
We know right from wrong…but sometimes…we cave– ever so slightly…
We do know better…it’s just that sometimes…well you know…
And we DO know about the stuff that we “should” be doing or “could” be doing…but hey, we are busy people! There isn’t enough time for everything…and everyone… sometimes you have to pick and choose…it’s kind of like “triage.”
Temptation is about being led to “disobedience”…it is a lack of “discernment”…it is a “willing deviation” from the “discerned will of God.”
And of course many times we do not have to be “led” by anyone. We are a willing participant…jumping in whole heartedly with both feet – like it is a “broad jump” or something…
Again, we know what we are supposed to be doing…we know what is right and just and good…
It’s just that…
…And of course, you do realize and you do understand that we are more than capable of “justifying” all of our actions…all of our deeds…at very least-to our selves…and usually “every single time.”
I tell you life can be a slippery slope…sometimes…
I have always said, Jesus never sends us off, to where he has not been himself.
He knew about temptation. He knew they would come. And he also knew that temptation would come to an end. For awhile anyhow…until such time as it would resurface again with a greater vengeance.
The deceiver is cunning. He knows about our “self-talk.” He lies unabashedly so. He can quote Scripture with the best of them.
I know it is difficult. I know that it is hard. But you, you take the high road. You, do what is right. You, do what is just.
Do not be swayed by the crowds-because sometimes the crowds can be swayed in the wrong direction!
If you did not catch it, the three temptations at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry – are very much like the three at the end of his life.
“Let him save himself IF he is the Messiah of God, his chosen one!” “IF” you are the King of the Jews, save yourself ! “ARE YOU not the messiah? Save yourself and us!”
The temptations just keep coming…they come to us at all ages…but as for you, YOU, stay strong! Stay close to Jesus!
Amen!