Living with Temptation
Living with Temptation
If there was anyone who could best identify with the temptations that dog us, it has to be Jesus. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4: 15 ESV).
After fasting for forty days in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan in three areas. These are the areas in which Christian leaders will be challenged as well.
Henri Nouwen, in speaking about the temptation of Christ, describes three dangers that threaten to erode the life of our souls (See Henri Nouwen, In the Name of Jesus). Christians and Christian leaders are particularly vulnerable to these threats.
The temptation to be relevant: turn stones into bread
Christian ministry often leads to low self-esteem. The world looks for competence, and for centuries the church and her spiritual leaders were valued for their particular competence. Unfortunately, this is often no longer the case today. Instead of pastoral counsellors, there are therapists; instead of biblical instruction, there’s education; instead of prayer, there’s self-initiative; instead of a life based on principles, there’s life based on pragmatism. In order to please those around them and be respected, church leaders are tempted to primarily rely on skills that society recognizes and rewards, rather than on the presence and power of God.
The temptation to be loved: ‘Throw yourself from the pinnacle of the temple’
To throw himself from the top of the temple and be caught by angels – that would have been spectacular! People would have loved Jesus for that. We are in danger of doing things that put us in the limelight. Church leaders already stand in the spotlight, they have a public role, they are easily seen by others. Because they are so visible, they experience a strong temptation to manipulate circumstances and people in order to make an even bigger impression.
The temptation to appear powerful: ‘Worship me, and I promise you the world’
The temptation to seize power is strongest where human transparency is weakest. Many high-flying Christian leaders are people who are not able to give and receive love. Our personal inadequacies can be masked by working for God. But sometimes the work we do for God is the means or destroying God’s work in us.
When Satan tempts Christians today, he directs their attention away from their inner spiritual impulses towards externals. Fire can be extinguished by removing oxygen; similarly, spiritual vibrancy too can be extinguished by focusing too much on externals.
The Bible makes clear that we are to pay attention to the nurture of our souls: ‘Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it’ (Proverbs 4:23). ‘Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things’ (I Timothy 4:16, NRSV,). The best gift we can give to the churches we are leading is that of an ordered soul: the beauty and the power of the gospel should reside in us and be visible in us. The credibility of our message will be evidenced through our relationship with Jesus and with our Father in heaven. But ministry for God done without God will lead to judgment against us.
Call to action
Where are you most vulnerable? Is it in wanting to be loved, to be perceived as powerful, or relevant? Suppose you adopted the mindset that expects imminent attack at your weakest point. In the next couple of days be especially vigilant as you see the attack coming.
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