Mar 23, 2012 5 min read

Scripture reading: Matthew 4:1-11. Text: “Then Jesus was led by the spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.” Matthew 4:1.

As we are getting closer to the end of Lent let us pay attention again to the temptation of our Lord as well as to the temptations to which we are exposed. Temptation, a complicated phenomenon, is not easy to resist or conquer.

RELIGIOUS TEACHING OR SCIENTIFIC APPROACH?

The problem with temptation is that people do not want to hear about it because they neither take it seriously nor wish to believe that the devil has anything to do with it. Some say temptation is the devil’s work, or in an excusing form, “the devil made me do it.” Scientists may state that temptation is part of our life such as a strong biological desire, a weak character, peer pressure and poverty. I do not wish to have a debate with anyone as to how to interpret the role of the serpent in the Garden of Eden as this tempter fooled Eve and then Eve misled Adam. Please read Genesis 3:1-13.

While temptation is also a religious subject and it sounds archaic, most of the people are more interested what psychology has to say. Among other things, psychology deals with influence and motivating forces. Questions arise, such as how we are enticed, lured, seduced, deceived, ensnared, brainwashed and coerced.

However, the issue can be approached from the opposite end also. Please ask yourself what are the roots and results of these unfortunate events?

– SCANDAL. The Webster dictionary defines scandal as “any act, person, or thing that offends or shocks moral feelings of the community and leads to disgrace.” Have you watched some of the sad stories on the television show “60 Minutes?”

– CRIME. Crime is one of the heaviest burdens on our shoulders and we have to pay dearly for it. The war against crime is still going on. Will we ever win it?

– TRAGEDY. A human life can be taken but it cannot be restored. Many tragedies could have been avoided had temptations been taken seriously.

TEMPTATION OR TEST?

Do you remember the story when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac? It begins in this way, “And it came to pass after these things, that God tempted Abraham,” King James Version, and, “Some time later God tested Abraham,” New International Version. Genesis 22:1/a. Which one of the two versions is correct depends upon the interpretation.

To test something or somebody simply means does he or she meet the requirements? Do we know what this petition of the Lord’s Prayer really means? “And lead us not into temptation …” Matthew 6:13/a. The essence of this request is to help us to pass successfully the tests of life. “Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind.” Psalm 26:2. Please see also Psalm 139:23-24.

TEMPTATION AND MORAL STANDARDS (CLEAR CONSCIENCE)

Temptation is not an absolute, definite and concrete situation, force, act or failure. What is forbidden, contrary to the interests of others, and self-destructive depends upon the circumstances and the public morale. What was absolutely NO-NO about 50 years ago might be acceptable today. Just listen to the language or words used in certain “R-rated” movies and entertainment programs.

Many turn away from religion not because it is “old-fashioned” as they like to say, but because it requires a clear conscience, a pure mind and decent behavior. Just think of the Ten Commandments, Exodus 20, and the Golden Rule, Matthew 7:12.

TEMPTATIONS AND JUDGMENT.

One of the greatest temptations is to blame others who failed to resist temptations. We like to be independent, non-involved, critical, judgmental and superior to others … and many times this is one of the sources of our problems.

Our number one personal goal should be I WILL BE STRONG and we should not focus on HOW WEAK OTHERS ARE. It is still true what Jesus said, “‘Do not judge, or you too will be judged.'” Matthew 7:1. Doctors recommend that we be healthy and strong in order to resist bacteria and viruses; likewise a strong and healthy spiritual life helps us to withstand temptations. “Temptations from without have no power unless there be a corresponding desire from within.” The Christian Leader’s Golden Treasury, page 529.

Interpreting the Bible in the right way we should agree with the Scriptures: “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 1 John 3:8/b.

The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.