Temptation. Such an ugly word. As we approach Lent we reflect on how Jesus was tempted in the desert. None of us are immune to evil's seduction. Temptation may present itself when we are at our weakest. And our weakest can be when our lives are right on track. We become complacent thinking we have it all under control. Before long, temptation creeps in, upsetting our version of normal. The grass begins to look a little greener on the other side. Whether it be in our careers, marriages, or families, temptation can create a desire so strong it can lure us away from what is right. The fight between good and evil has been around since Adam and Eve. Eve knew it was against God's direction to pick the apple from the tree. Yet, evil convinced her otherwise. We are no different than Adam and Eve. But, due to modern technology, temptations have become more accessible in the privacy of our own home. Good 'ol free will.
With free will comes choices. There is a great line in the movie Little Black Book, "Omission is betrayal." If you feel like you have to lie or hide something, think twice about it before you make a mistake with irrevocable consequences. Society is so fixated on making ourselves "feel" better despite outcomes. Addictions, affairs (emotional and physical) and other poor choices we make only satisfy our perceived needs temporarily. Our "truth" is whatever makes us feel better. Fellow lay apostles, we must always follow God's truth, not our own.
In Anne a lay apostle's book The Mist of Mercy, she beautifully illustrates where temptation comes from:
With free will comes choices. There is a great line in the movie Little Black Book, "Omission is betrayal." If you feel like you have to lie or hide something, think twice about it before you make a mistake with irrevocable consequences. Society is so fixated on making ourselves "feel" better despite outcomes. Addictions, affairs (emotional and physical) and other poor choices we make only satisfy our perceived needs temporarily. Our "truth" is whatever makes us feel better. Fellow lay apostles, we must always follow God's truth, not our own.
In Anne a lay apostle's book The Mist of Mercy, she beautifully illustrates where temptation comes from:
"But many of God’s children have wandered
further and further away from truth and the enemy is making fools of them. We
must accept that God’s enemy wants only our destruction. The enemy of God has
an agenda for us that includes unhappiness and eternal despair. The enemy sends
temptation. When a person falls prey to a temptation and commits a sin or even
merely an action that pulls the soul from goodness, the enemy exults. The enemy
mocks humanity and works tirelessly to sow seeds of restlessness and anger, frustration
and bitterness. All people should understand that just as God loves, the devil
hates."
Today, let's choose God's truth. If you are in the middle of something you know could be detrimental to a loved one, stop. Stop and do the right thing. It's not always easy, but when you choose good over evil, He will provide the graces needed to get you through.
Thank you, Lord, for helping me to choose Your truth. Evil can hit me with it's best shot, because I have no fear with You in my corner!
God bless,
Bonnie
Today, let's choose God's truth. If you are in the middle of something you know could be detrimental to a loved one, stop. Stop and do the right thing. It's not always easy, but when you choose good over evil, He will provide the graces needed to get you through.
Thank you, Lord, for helping me to choose Your truth. Evil can hit me with it's best shot, because I have no fear with You in my corner!
God bless,
Bonnie
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