Friday, September 1, 2000
Friday, September 1, 2000
Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will
receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
In October of 1995, Jesse A. Williams, a veteran of alcohol-treatment programs, filed a lawsuit
against his former employer Anheuser-Busch in Tampa, Florida. Williams' complaint was that the
company supplied him the regular employee allotment of four free cases of beer a month and then
fired him for alcoholism.
Alcohol is just one destructive temptation. "Lead us not into temptation."
(James 1:12
NRSV)
Jesus faced the Tempter throughout his life. Remember when Satan tempted him in the
wilderness? In Luke's Gospel the story ends with these words: "And when the devil had ended
every temptation, he departed from him until AN OPPORTUNE TIME." (4:13) Jesus taught us
to pray, "Lead us not into temptation." What did he mean by that? Did he mean that God might
somehow tempt us to do wrong? Of course not. He was saying that life has its snares. The
Tempter is always present. We need God's help if we are to avoid the dangers that surround
everyone who seeks to live the best life possible.
Lord Jesus, give me the strength to flee temptation. Amen.
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