Today's readings: Ps 119:97-120; Est 6:1-14; Acts 19:1-10; Luke 4:1-13
Some of us long for the day when our faith is so strong, temptation will never taunt us again. It will be a long wait. Luke 4 tells the story of Jesus’ temptations in the desert. Note that while he was able to resist temptation, not even Jesus could avoid it entirely.
Many of us feel shame about our temptations. We think we are the only people tempted to think or act a certain way. We are especially reluctant to confess to those who could counsel us best, because we want to keep their respect. Instead we attempt to resist certain urges in silence and solitude, and the very thing we try to avoid – food, sex, gossip, drugs, alcohol – becomes the center of our attention because we have nowhere to banish it. Maybe we remember scripture like Matthew 5:28 ("anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”) and believe our temptation has already condemned us.
When we speak openly about our temptations – to trusted counselors, support groups, etc. – we find first that we are not alone. We also find speaking the truth relieves the self-imposed pressure that only increases temptation. We learn scriptural words like “lust” and “covet” don’t refer to casual thoughts, but to ungoverned desire. We also learn casual thoughts left unchecked can become ungoverned desire. Most importantly, we learn sunlight is the best disinfectant even for spiritual ailments.
When we pray that God “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil” what are we really asking? To avoid all instances of temptation? Unrealistic. We are acknowledging temptation is part of life, and that we must rely on God to help us respond appropriately. We know Jesus was tempted until the end of his ministry, when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane that his burden might pass (Luke 22:42). The import lesson is that even in the face of temptation, he submitted himself to God.
We must not assume we’ve already lost the battle when we are tempted. The spiritual discipline of resisting temptation in small things helps us build strength in case serious temptations arise. Let’s follow the example of Jesus, and openly admit our temptation, but choose to submit to God.
Comfort: God is greater than temptation; we just have to invite him in.
Challenge: If you struggle with temptation, find a place to talk about it.
Prayer: God of strength, deliver us from evil.
Evening readings: Ps 81, 82
Tomorrow's readings: Ps 83; Est 7:1-10; Acts 19:11-20; Luke 4:14-30
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