Uncontrolled temptations, reassuring peace of mind mutually exclusive
Scripture reading: Matthew 4:1-11. text: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:13. Let the temptation to which Jesus had been exposed while fasting in the desert and his teaching about it help us to begin Lent this year, when during these six weeks we are expected to practice self-observation, self-awareness and self-control.
“And lead us not into temptation.” Shall we interpret this petition literally?
At the first hearing, we may think that God leads us into temptation and through temptation into trouble.
How can a loving and caring heavenly Father do that?
Please keep in mind when our Lord taught people to pray he had intended to be as short and concise as possible.
Could His listeners remember a long and sophisticated prayer? Considering the teaching of our Lord we can safely paraphrase this petition in this way: “And do not let us be lured into temptation.”
Apostle James’ words underline this assumption: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” James 1:13-14.
Our heavenly Father does not deliberately tempt us but rather tests us, are we fit to serve?
Think about Abraham, the father of the chosen race: “Sometime later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.'” Genesis 22:1.
This is the introduction to the episode when Abraham’s obedience was tested. Was he willing to go so far as sacrificing his only son, Isaac? Please read Genesis 22:1-19.
“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” 1 Timothy 6:9.
Basically, what is temptation? A desire or allure to find satisfaction.
The idea behind temptation is: “If you will acquire it (whatever you desire to possess or enjoy) you will be happy.”
The basic phenomenon “the desire to possess or enjoy something” all by itself is not so bad; the trouble begins when this enticing and motivating force starts to escalate, and leads us to a higher level where more is wanted, more is promised, and more serious will be the painful consequence.
Let’s see how it works in our daily life.
Temptation can be expressed as a personal and burning desire that will bother and irritate us until it is satisfied.
We like to be satisfied, and here is the ascending and often misleading desire:
First, we wish our physical needs to be satisfied.
There is nothing wrong with it, because in the very same prayer Jesus had taught us to say: “Give us today our daily bread.” Matthew 6:1
On the next level, we hope that our wishful thinking will be satisfied.
How wonderful would it be just have enough money to buy what we like to have, or what a blessing would it be to work where people are friendly and agreeable, or every problem would be solved in a peaceful way with mutual satisfaction.
Going even higher there are the wild dreams, when we wish to be millionaires, become famous people who are respected and admired, and have enough clout to enforce our will. Who does not want to be a movie star, or a sport hero, or a tycoon?
On the top we can find the egocentric fulfillment that ignores the welfare of others.
How many people are driven by hatred, grudge, retaliation and revenge?
When the inheritance is divided among the heirs, unfortunately this might take place: “I do not care will I eventually receive this family heirloom or not, the most important thing is, that my brother or sister should not possess it.”
Our Lord was so strong that he had been able to resist the temptation concerning life-sustaining physical need, that is hunger, when bread had been offered. Please read Matthew 4:1-4.
May we ask God, not only “lead us not into temptation” but also “encourage and strengthen us to overcome the enticing power of egocentric fulfillment, wild dreams, and wishful thinking.”
Then suddenly the world will become more harmonious, people more friendly, and the spiritual life more rewarding.
Uncontrolled temptations and reassuring peace of mind are mutually exclusive.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.