TEMPTATION

Temptation comes in many forms and calls to us based on our own internal issues. What may tempt me may not be an issue for someone else. However, there are some commonalities for how most temptations manifest. In looking at Jesus' time in the desert, we can examine how Satan tempted Him and ascertain how temptations may approach us.

According to the book of Mathew, the first temptation was the suggestion that Jesus command the stones to become bread. So the question we need to consider concerns where we go to address our needs. Are we hungry for food? Maybe approval? Recognition? Glory? Money? We may find ourselves fighting a pull to fit in or maybe to excel or perform. The list is as endless as our imagination. While many of these things are good in moderation, just as bread is, none of them can bring life when we turn to them instead of God. A stone is neither good nor bad yet the tendency to turn it into something to sustain us corrupts the soul. Jesus responds with 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God'. The true answer to our heart's cry is relationship with God, not bread, or significance.

The second temptation manifests as a dare. Satan suggests Jesus throw himself over the cliff so the angels can lift him up. The appeal is to leap into some wild endeavor and expect God to show up. Presumption beckons through the door where we assume we know God's plan and many a well-intended church program has started and fizzled under this lure. For example, suppose someone wants to go on a mission trip. The desire seems genuine and the people could really benefit from the assistance. Instead of instantly moving forward, we need to go to God and ask some questions. Is it His timing to go now or later? Are there certain people God would like sent, not just the ones who volunteered? How does God want to minister to the people in need? By seeking God in prayer, we are activating His will instead of moving in presumption by responding to the need presented.

The third enticement appeals to pride and worship. If Jesus will fall down and worship Satan, the devil will give him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. How many times have we been enticed by the promise of glory if we will only compromise our integrity? Have we ever chosen to do things our own way instead of God's? We tend to rely on our own understanding instead of asking God and before we know it, we have aligned ourselves with forces and people we would have never intentionally collaborated. We need to answer like Jesus and say 'Away with you Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve'.

Then the story gets really good. After Jesus faced the last temptation, the devil left Him and angels came and ministered to Him. Hanging out with angels instead of Satan certainly improves the atmosphere. And allowing them to minister to us instead of striving to hear God simplifies the faith process. If we can recognize the temptations facing us and respond as Jesus did, then we will enter into a new realm of abundant life.