Monday, February 25, 2013

Word on the Street - 2/22/13

During the Lenten season we are studying temptation in church. How many times have you been tempted today by food? Alcohol? Shopping? Gary Zukav says behind every temptation there is a typical dynamic. It's easy to think of a temptation as a trap, but Gary Zukav says it's just the opposite.  Zukav says temptation is a compassionate gift: an opportunity to learn without creating negative consequences.

"Temptation is like a magnet. It brings negative things to the surface - and it allows you to do something about it. Temptation is an invitation to get to know yourself.   You can think of temptation as providing you with a "dress rehearsal." When you're tempted, you can play out in your mind what would happen if you indulge. Once you visualize what would happen if you snack on some chips, smoke a cigarette, buy those shoes, you can make a choice to resist or act out. The benefit of playing this out in your mind is that you don't create any negative consequences if you choose to resist. Only if you act on your temptation, have you created negative consequences for yourself and others."

Jesus was tempted in the wilderness just as we are tempted in our everyday lives, however we not only have the ability to resist temptation but more importantly have the grace to insist on God's way in our lives.  What are you doing this week to insist on God's way?

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