All too often, we trivialise temptation. We use the word when we accept the small indulgencies and luxuries of life: we're tempted by that cream cake, those new shoes, that holiday in the sun. Of course we could discipline ourselves and do without such things, but in general they're not harmful or sinful - merely occasional pleasures.
There's a danger in using the word so lightly though. What if we transfer the same attitude to things that really matter? What if we laugh those off too, taking the view that they're no more important than a second helping of dessert?
Such a view may sound alarmist until we consider the evidence. The temptation to put profit above every other consideration affected not only individuals, but the whole culture around them in the banking industry. The financial reverberations continue to affect the lives of families and nations.
The temptation to obtain sexual gratification from children destroyed lives over decades whilst abusers walked free, in the worlds of entertainment, education and - most scandalous of all - the Church.
The temptation to cheat has distorted the world of sport, placing the pursuit of fame and fortune above all other considerations.
The temptation to oppress others is seen in the world of people trafficking, but also in systems of global trade as company profits and company taxation benefit wealthy nations, businesses and customers at the expense of the poor.
What are the temptations which come our way? Which do we find hard to resist? What are the excuses we make to ourselves as we give in? Are we damaging other people, or indeed ourselves, through the way we live and the decisions we take?
And if so, what are we going to do to address it?
For Jesus, tempted in the wilderness, it was the words of Scripture and the knowledge of God which enabled him both to recognise temptation and to resist it. Scripture, properly used, and a life of prayer and worship remain powerful weapons to strengthen us as we wander through the wilderness of this world's temptations.
There's a danger in using the word so lightly though. What if we transfer the same attitude to things that really matter? What if we laugh those off too, taking the view that they're no more important than a second helping of dessert?
Such a view may sound alarmist until we consider the evidence. The temptation to put profit above every other consideration affected not only individuals, but the whole culture around them in the banking industry. The financial reverberations continue to affect the lives of families and nations.
The temptation to obtain sexual gratification from children destroyed lives over decades whilst abusers walked free, in the worlds of entertainment, education and - most scandalous of all - the Church.
The temptation to cheat has distorted the world of sport, placing the pursuit of fame and fortune above all other considerations.
The temptation to oppress others is seen in the world of people trafficking, but also in systems of global trade as company profits and company taxation benefit wealthy nations, businesses and customers at the expense of the poor.
What are the temptations which come our way? Which do we find hard to resist? What are the excuses we make to ourselves as we give in? Are we damaging other people, or indeed ourselves, through the way we live and the decisions we take?
And if so, what are we going to do to address it?
For Jesus, tempted in the wilderness, it was the words of Scripture and the knowledge of God which enabled him both to recognise temptation and to resist it. Scripture, properly used, and a life of prayer and worship remain powerful weapons to strengthen us as we wander through the wilderness of this world's temptations.
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