Devotionals

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Temptation is dirty. It is the darkness in the back of our brains that we try to push aside and ignore. It is the cancer that we can't talk about. It is the little secret that we hope never sees the light of day but continuously pops out its head, especially when we think we have it under control.

Temptation is exciting. Even as we suppress our feelings, our pulse races at the suggestion. The thrill at just the possibility of giving in to its promise of pleasure sends shivers through our bodies. When we allow ourselves the indulgence to think about our temptation, it becomes our entire focus in life. All other elements in life such as family, God, friends, and work, fall in priority. Only the Temptation is important.

Temptation can be rationalized. We can justify giving in to its calling. "I'm only human." "Everyone else is doing it." "A little bit can't hurt." "It is good for my health." "No one will know." Or the more popular way…"What happens in Las Vegas, stays in Las Vegas."

Temptation defines who we are. It under girds our entire being. Everything we do becomes filtered through its sultry enticement. If we have controlled our urges then we look in the mirror and congratulate our self control. If we have slipped and given in then we wallow in guilt and sorrow. We wonder why we are so tempted. We wonder why we can't control its power. We wonder why we are so damaged and where is God's promise of holiness.

Temptation touches us all. We have all tasted the sweet fruit of temptation. We then hide behind the fig leaves we create to hide our transgressions. We hide the secret, hoping and praying that no one else will see our nakedness. We put on masks of piety and righteousness. We build facades in our lives to lock away the darkness. We don't even want God to know. We hope and pray that He has been looking the other way.

Temptation is holy. God brought temptation into the world for a purpose. He created the Tree of Knowledge for a reason. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to experience temptation. Jesus was just like us. Satan offered answers for His physical needs. He offered pride and power. He was tempted. The lure of glory and the taste of the forbidden fruit were within His reach. He considered the offerings. His heart raced and His breath shortened. Jesus faced temptation because through it He defined His relationship with God.

Temptation is a choice. Even though it's always there flaunting its sweet juices of instant gratification, we have a choice. And we have the tools to withstand its enticements. Jesus shows that God has given us a sword for battle. It is not a sword to be used to attack the perceived evils in the world. It is a sword of defense. When Satan reveals the darkness in our hearts and temptation threatens to wash away the holiness of God within us, our knowledge of the Bible girds our ability to withstand and hold firm. Lessons that have flowed through us in our daily readings and prayers come forth and give us the power to wield light and hope in the face of darkness and despair.

Temptation brings us to Christ. We can say that Jesus experienced our humanness when He faced His temptations in the wilderness. In this same way, we can experience His holiness when we choose to turn from temptation and towards God.

Closing Prayer:

Forgiving Father: Yes, we are tempted and only you know just how difficult our struggles can become. The sweet aroma of the forbidden fruit draws us near and even as we strive to push it away, the urge to give in grows strong. With this continuous battle we feel that holiness will never come. We wonder if we are simply a lost cause - damaged goods. But then we come to realize that we have been led into the wilderness for a purpose. As we grow in our faith in you we realize that you are in control and the Holy Spirit is thriving within us. We call out to you today, beseeching that you help us change our temptations into holy moments. Instead of seeing darkness when the Evil One presses in, let us see your light that is always shining. Give us the strength to wield your sword of righteousness so that through our victory your glory can be revealed. Thank you for your love and for the forgiveness that is available through our belief in Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Inspired by Matthew 4:1-11, Romans 5:12-19, and Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7

FUMC Devotionals
Faithwriters Magazine
BLOG: Reflections from the Left

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