Temptation
Most people have a list of things they know or at least recognize when it comes to the church and the Bible, even it they do not go to church on a regular basis. The 23rd Psalm is one, some understanding of Jesus would fit that category, and most people know what you are talking about when you mention the Lord's Prayer.
There is an interesting part of the Lord's Prayer that we often pray right over without even thinking about it- "lead us not into temptation." I've had a lot of people ask me what that little phrase means; does it mean that sometimes God will stick temptation in front of us, trying to get us to trip and fall, to mess up, to sin? Does God really want me to sin?
We get a clue to the answer in James 1:13-14 - "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed." It is our own worldly desires that make us want to sin.
I would guess that everyone has at least a couple of bad habits they need to break. These five little words, "lead me not into temptation," when prayed with conviction, can help. In fact, if you are having a problem with something that keeps bothering you, take these words and begin praying them over and over again, with the problem in mind.
By praying these words we are asking God to pull us away from temptation's door. When we pray these words with the expectation that God will in fact help us, we have gained a powerful ally.
The Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:13, "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." Where would you rather put your trust? In friends that lead you astray, bad habits that wreck your life or your health? Or would you rather put your faith and trust in the One who loves you unconditionally and who wants only the best for you?
Neither the question nor the answer is easy, but God is there you help you find your way when you ask for help.
Pastor Allen Hill
Malvern United Methodist Church
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