Temptation

What tempts you? Is it food, gambling, popularity, shopping, cell phones, or something else? It can be something that you know is wrong, or something that is very innocent in itself. Anything can become sinful if it is used improperly.

In recent years, drugs have been so misused that doctors are now being restricted from prescribing more than a small number of pills because so many became addicted without even realizing it. Food can become an addiction for many. Gambling is now too easy with on-line betting, government sponsored lotteries and casinos in so many states. Shopping is another venue for people trying to fill a void in their lives with things.

If we are honest with ourselves – and I include myself – some things seem to have an irresistible pull for us. So, what should we do about it?

First, we need to admit that we have a problem. Then, we can look to God for help. In a few weeks, we will begin our Lenten journey. This might be a good time to check ourselves and see where our “lusts” lie.

Many years ago, C. S Lewis wrote a book called The Screwtape Letters, in which he records the correspondence between two devils, Screwtape and Wormwood. In them, they talk about how to keep humans away from God and Screwtape reminds Wormwood how to use the ordinary things of life to accomplish this.

We all know to avoid the obvious, those things that the commandments tell us are sinful, but it is harder to see that there is danger in the everyday.

Lord, you want to lead us away from temptation and toward you. Sometimes it is difficult to know what to do. Give us the wisdom to choose the path you want us to follow. Amen.