When are you most vulnerable to temptation?

Do those times have more to do with what is going on outside of you – the nature of the temptation – or more about what’s going on inside of you?

We tend to think some things out there are more tempting in an absolute way: chocolate is more tempting than liver & onions. But not to everyone! Some people don’t even like chocolate, though I advise them not to share that fact with others. (That revelation can raise suspicions in your friends!) And some people love liver & onions.

I don’t happen to like the taste of beer, so all those refreshing beer commercials don’t lure me. A Pepsi commercial, though, maybe. Can you think of a man (I can) or woman who is so crazy about their spouse that no other honey could tempt them? Can you think of parents who are so concerned about their sick child that the temptation of collapsing on the bed is just not as strong as the desire to stay with and comfort the kid?

Is it possible that the hunger for God and God’s ways can make someone’s soul somewhat ‘Teflon-coated’ — some temptations just don’t ‘stick’? What would that take for you?

In the Gospel account for this week [Matthew 4:1-11], Jesus goes out to the wilderness in order to be tempted by the devil. The temptations seem designed for Jesus: he’s hungry, so bread would be good. He’s facing an uphill battle with religious leaders, so an impressive display of power would be good. And he’s come to claim kingship over the whole planet, so a quick path to control could be good. They’re all good.

Except God doesn’t want them. That settles it. Jesus’ hunger for God is greater than these seemingly good temptations.

Think of your usual defeats in facing temptation. Is there any counterweight against their pull on your appetites, lusts, fears, fantasies, habits, addictions? Please, it’s not simple! We didn’t get to where we are overnight and we won’t be set free through one spiritual insight.

But what is next for you as you seek Jesus’ view that turns your world upside down?

I look forward to seeing you in worship Sunday — in fact, every Sunday in Lent.