Temptations Clarify our values in life

                        Temptations Will Clarify Our Values in Life.

         Before the Lord’s prayer was revised, we have the line: “Do not bring us into temptations but deliver us from evil. The word being changed was temptation. 
         When I was young, I had a negative idea of temptation.  My idea about it was shaped by what happened to Adam and Eve when they were tempted by the serpent.  However, as I grow older, I find out that it is not.  Temptations are not bad.  Rather, they will clarify our values.  My realization is authenticated by what Jesus did in our gospel today.   
         Jesus was tempted by turning the stones into bread.  According to some scholars, such temptation symbolizes economic power.  Economic power for it answers to our basic need, which is food.  However, Jesus did not buy the idea of the devil.  He was able to say NO because the temptation clarifies his values in life.  He primarily values God’s word to satisfy our hunger than the bread to satisfy our physical hunger.  Thus he said: “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God.“
         In my life, I am also tempted with this first temptation of Christ.  There are times that I want to have an economic security and that is, to have much money.  And so I am tempted to have many tutorials and many extra-load.  I want to earn more so I can save more money.  However, it makes me to think of the kind of service I have to offer to my students.  What if I do not have a vacant period to prepare for my lesson? What if I will be tired after three consecutive classes? With this, my value in life was being clarified.  I valued most the kind of service I have to offer to my students rather than the money I am going to receive because of the many subjects I have.  Thus temptation clarifies my values in life.
         Secondly, Jesus was tempted to throw himself down.  Again, according to Zanzig, such temptation symbolizes magical power.  As we have known, magic comes too quickly.  So the devil offers to Jesus to use a quick solution or instant ways.  This is what he meant by magical power.  He offers this to Jesus because he doesn’t want Jesus to suffer such a shameful death.  There is a quick solution on saving all of mankind. By his power, he can have it by just a wink of his eye or a click by his fingers and then we are all saved.  However, Jesus said NO.  His value of sacrifice was challenged this time. Thus, he said, “Do not put your God to the test.”   
         In our life, we are also tempted to have this quick solution in life.  When a woman got pregnant and not yet ready to live a married life, she can have a quick solution - ABORTION.  When we are not able to study our lessons during major examinations, the quick solution is - CHEATING.  When we want to become rich, the quick solution is - CORRUPTION.  However, Christ teaches us not to have this instant or quick ways. He teaches us the value of SACRIFICE.
         Third is the giving of all kingdoms to Jesus if he will worship to the devil.  Again, Zanzig symbolizes this temptation to a political power.  Kingdom is a symbol of politics.  It is manifested by being a leader over others.  But Jesus did not agree.  He had a different way of being a leader.  His leadership is of SERVICE and this he valued most.  Thus, we often heard him said: “I have come not be served but to serve.”
         In our life, we are also tempted to lead, to be above others.  We are tempted to be a head of a certain office so that our subordinates will serve us.  We are also tempted to aspire for a doctoral degree to lead others; to be above others.  Becoming a leader is not bad if our intention is just like Christ’s.  To be a leader is only good if and only if our intention is to have a greater opportunity to serve other people.
         There are many temptations in our life.  Even this time, I am tempted to say more and more.  But as what I have said, temptation clarifies our values.  Thus I value the idea of others to share. And so I give in to the temptation of not to go on.