The Tug of Temptation
This is the first in a series of six posts leading up to Easter.
This time period – often called Lent - can be a time of preparation and observance
as we reflect on what Jesus did for us.
One way to approach Lent is to spend time reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice for us. Without his intervention in our lives, we easily can succumb to temptation. The beauty of a season like Lent it that it prompts us to be intentional about nurturing our faith. We set aside time…we change our focus…we let some things go…so we can cultivate a greater desire to follow Jesus and live in a way that is more pleasing to the Father.
Today I want to talk about that tug of temptation which so easily can grab us.
Why was I running around the classroom, chasing after Lance with a ruler in my hand? I usually was so good in class; it obviously was all his fault. I had been working hard on math, but Lance (who sat behind me) was tantalized by my braids and he couldn’t resist giving them a tug. I turned around and loudly whispered, “Stop it”! And when he got up to sharpen his pencil, I started to run after him, ruler in hand.
I yielded to the tug of temptation. I gave in to the desire for revenge. And, of course, I was caught by the teacher.)
Several years later, I cheated on a science test. I was falling behind, I hadn’t studied enough, I was feeling the pressure of needing a good grade. I yielded to that tug of temptation and peeked at the answers on my friend’s paper. (And, of course, I was caught by the teacher once again.)
Fast forward to a few years ago. I was distressed by the circumstances in my life and tired of relying on a God who didn’t seem to be addressing my needs according to my preferred time-table, and in the way I thought He ought to. So there I sat, pushing God away in my greatest distress.
I yielded to the tug of temptation. I gave in to self-pity and anger.
These stories of the past came to my mind this week as I thought about temptation…and sacrifice…as I prepare my heart for Easter. When I think about the tug of temptation in my life, I realize that my honesty before God about my sins and weaknesses can help me to resist those temptations. I realize that I can sacrifice my ways for his ways – just as Jesus did when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Not my will, Father, but yours.
Maybe this is a good time for each us to come clean with God about the temptations we face. Our greed, or pride, or appetites, or wallowing in self-pity…. Whatever that tug may be, can we sacrifice our desires for his, knowing that he has only good things in store for us?
In I Corinthians 10:13 the Apostle Paul writes, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Can we lean into this promise from God?
Let me pray for you. Dear Lord, thank you for your example of listening to the Father and not succumbing to temptation when your Father called you to give your life as a sacrifice for us. Help those reading this blog to consider their present temptations in light of the cross; to talk with you about their weaknesses, and rely on you for strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I’d like to think my first two examples don’t really matter anymore. After all, that was years ago; long before I was an adult. Yet when I think of the third example, I can’t make the same excuse. To this day I know that hurt, injustice and inadequacy can elicit bitter words or actions within me if I don’t consider listening to – and acting on – the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
These stories of the past came to my mind this week as I thought about temptation…and sacrifice…as I prepare my heart for Easter. When I think about the tug of temptation in my life, I realize that my honesty before God about my sins and weaknesses can help me to resist those temptations. I realize that I can sacrifice my ways for his ways – just as Jesus did when he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Not my will, Father, but yours.
Maybe this is a good time for each us to come clean with God about the temptations we face. Our greed, or pride, or appetites, or wallowing in self-pity…. Whatever that tug may be, can we sacrifice our desires for his, knowing that he has only good things in store for us?
In I Corinthians 10:13 the Apostle Paul writes, “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Can we lean into this promise from God?
Let me pray for you. Dear Lord, thank you for your example of listening to the Father and not succumbing to temptation when your Father called you to give your life as a sacrifice for us. Help those reading this blog to consider their present temptations in light of the cross; to talk with you about their weaknesses, and rely on you for strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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