Learn How to Make Healthy Choices Part II
In the second temptation, Jesus is asked to test God. In the same way, Israel tested God when they did not feel that He was meeting their needs. They questioned whether God was among them. (Ex 17:23) We question God’s existence. We test God’s existence as we live our lives as if He does not exist. We don’t give Him credit for His goodness. We don’t acknowledge His wrath that comes in response to the world’s wickedness. The tempter dares Jesus to try to kill Himself in order to test God’s ability to save Him. Jesus rehearsed God’s word. He said, “You should not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Matthew 4:7) If you wait until God passes your test to believe He exists, the tempter may successfully cause you to bring about your own eternal death.
The third temptation lives on front street but we still give into it. Satan says to Jesus that he will give Him whatever He wants in exchange for worship. We worship the cars we buy that we can’t afford because the marketers have convinced us successful people drive them. We worship the “cool” people who deny God but we hangout with them to make us feel important. We worship people because of their money but whose lifestyles displease God. We aspire to be like them because we think it will bring us happiness. We let guys spoil our purity so that we can feel loved even if the feeling only lasts for a few weeks. We fall to temptations that promise to satisfy legitimate needs in ways God never planned. Jesus replies to Satan, “It is written, ‘You should worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” If we dedicate our lives to God, He will satisfy those needs with no bad side effects…all good. Every good and perfect gift comes from above.” (James 1:17)
Temptations begin in our hearts as we battle with our inner desires. We often make bad decisions when we lack physical needs, our feelings have been hurt or when we are lonely. To combat those desires, remember God’s promises. Knowing God as your God and Savior is a must. When the images of happiness flash before your eyes, remember their goal is to sell you a concept of happiness. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. Your happiness in this life can only come from knowing God and obeying Him. Sure the things of this world will make you laugh…for a while. After Jesus resisted temptation, the Bible says that angels came and ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11) When things get stale in your life and you are looking for your next new thing, think about the One who created you. Think about the One who longs to love you and provide for you.
