During Lent we are reminded that Jesus was driven into the desert by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil. Once there, he was first
tempted to satisfy the most basic of human needs, the need for food. Then he was tempted to satisfy another human need, the need to be noticed, to feel prominent. Finally, Jesus was tempted with power and wealth. But notice, in all of these temptations, he would have to give up something or give into someone in order to have them. He had the choice to be led by the spirit of God or the spirit of the evil one.
So, it is for each of us. There’s nothing wrong with satisfying our hunger as long as the way we are doing it is with a dependence on God. There’s nothing wrong with being noticed or holding prominent positions as long as we are keeping our minds and hearts focused on God. There’s nothing wrong with having power or wealth as long as we don’t have to give ourselves over to evil in order to get it.
Our prayer during this Lent should be that we will be led by the Spirit of God, and not by the spirit of the tempter who would have us place our own needs and desires before serving God.
Peace
Deacon John Martin
Comments