THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION
Temptation: The Bible is full of examples. In the Book of Genesis Eve is tempted by the serpent to eat the forbidden fruit. In the wilderness Jesus is tempted by Satan to show off his super-powers. And Paul confesses, “I don’t know what I’m doing, because I don’t do what I want to do. Instead, I do the thing that I hate.”
So, there is temptation all around — temptation to stray from the righteous path. It is a familiar sensation, experienced by humans as long as there have been humans. But, temptation as a gift? Let me think about that for a minute.
Thomas a’ Kempis (1380-1471), a German-Dutch priest, monk, and writer, is credited with saying, “We usually know what to do, but temptation shows us who we are.”
At my age and station in life, the classic temptations of “the world, the flesh, and the devil” are not all that tempting.
But what are the temptations that we older persons are heir to? Alice Sawayer, Licensed Professional Counselor with Central Plains Integrated Healthcare, says we are more apt to be apathetic, arrogant, prideful, and judgmental.
I can own part of that, the judgmental part anyhow — maybe prideful arrogance too. I have a pretty good opinion of myself which could naturally lead to being judgmental.
This may be where temptation becomes a gift — a reminder of who I want to be — how I see myself versus the easy temptation to put myself at the center of things. Awareness. A warning signal from the temptation. Thank you.
Prayer: Gracious God, help me with my mantra: It’s not about me. It’s not about me. It’s about You. Amen.
Michael Herzog