3 Temptations on Life that are Hard to Resist

3 Temptations on Life that are Hard to Resist…

There are three generic temptations in this world that are difficult to resist; they are subtle to the point that we would think they do us no harm.

It’s good to be aware of them as they are the most deceptive of comforts that will slip into our lifestyles without us even knowing, and hold us back from real peace and joy.

I have deliberately picked this photo because these chocolate cakes are a personal form of temptation – I could easily devour two boxes of these cakes with no trouble at all, knowing that they are loaded with enough corrosive sugar to shine a penny.

Temptation No. 1 – to live by the gratification of worldly possessions

This has huge and diverse options, ranging from food to clothing to electronic media, to the house and car we own, right up to the people we’re with!

The comfort provided by these ‘goods’ is temporary, but when pursuing materialistic pleasure as a lifestyle choice for satisfaction, the accumulation of ‘items’ can evolve indefinitely, keeping us from discovering the things in life that provide permanent joy.

Temptation No. 2 – to live by admiration and appreciation of others

Proving our worth to other people can become perilously addictive. The deception here is that we easily believe we are on top–the alpha male or female–because we prove ourselves to others and gain the admiration, appreciation, and recognition we think we deserve.

The part we lose is actually learning to love ourselves, because we’re seeking the love of others. The ultra downside is that a ‘mob of people’ can change their opinions quickly, often seen through the media’s device of building a hero/heroine, then destroying them a year later when said celebrity has made a mistake.

Temptation No . 3 – to live through worshipping people, ideas, or objects

This unwitting choice is committed to more than we would care to admit, though some people do it very obviously.

Perhaps the most extreme example is found in the buyers of phone apps that promise their customers they can be just like a certain celebrity/public figure.

In its lightest form, this temptation can be discovered in idolising a piece of clothing we have, declaring that this is our ‘lucky shirt.’

Another example is highlighted in ambition with the idea that if we don’t accomplish it, we’re no good.

The danger?

We give these people, items, or ideas power over us; a power that energises us but can be snatched away at the moment the ‘fuel’ disappears.

Reflection on Matthew 4

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