During Lent, Christians can reflect on ways we have given in to temptation and put a barrier between us and God.
Everyone deals with various temptations, and Satan tailor-makes temptations for each individual.
For example, purchasing a new, expensive electronic gadget is a temptation for me; for you, it may have no appeal whatsoever. You might be tempted to purchase a new ATV; for me, that has no appeal.
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, Satan tailor-made temptations for our Lord:'
●Turn stones into bread
●Rule the entire world's kingdoms
●Demonstrate God’s protective powers
There was nothing overtly wrong about those temptations — they could have accomplished good results. But Jesus determined they would not have accomplished the greater good.
People needed more than loaves and fishes to live; they also needed God's word. Jesus was to rule people’s hearts, not this world's kingdoms. Jesus would not instill false hope or expectation regarding God’s favor.
Jesus weighed temptations against the scriptures and made right, good decisions.
When it comes to temptations that hit you, do you rationalize reasons for giving in to them, or do you consider the greater good?
If you are tempted to belittle your child, is that the greater good? If you are tempted to fudge your tax return, slam a political candidate, complain about your pastor or your congregation, cheat on your spouse, get revenge for a real or perceived slight, have one last drink for the road, take what does not belong to you, spend money on something not budgeted — is it the greater good?
Whichever temptations come your way, weigh them against scripture as Jesus did. Ask yourself if giving in would produce the greater good.
If not, walk away from it. If you give in, you have yet another thing to feel guilty about, and the need to seek God’s forgiveness.
The Rev. Mark Broadhead is pastor at Laurel Hill Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BROADHEAD: Weigh temptations against scripture