Perspectives on temptation

We begin our Lenten journey with an overview of Christ's time in the desert (Lk. 4.1-15). This is traditional as we look at temptation and what can become of it. The portrayal in the synoptic gospels is of three very traditional forms of temptation; power, fame and authority. These three seem to be the top of our agenda and it is important that when we look at them that we understand that they are a) not the only ones and b) dependent on what is done with the temptation. For us there is a recognition that these three things are paramount in how we interact within society and are the more usual failings in people. Yet, there are some more insidious temptations that face us, which need to be equally highlighted but they are not. Probably because they were either not seen in the society at the time or more likely they were quickly quashed by those in authority. In keeping with Christ's temptation, as these are often entwined let us take three examples; rumour, jealousy, gossip.

Rumour is based in a similar fashion to gossip on unfounded facts. However, what is insidious of rumour is that it has an element of truth and tends to undermine power. It is inherent and prevalent where there is power. We can see rumour operating today through out the world of politics as each side tries to undermine the power base of the other. Rumour is powerful when we do not have the whole truth. In any situation if there are two sides competing against each other for power we find that rumour can be unleashed to destroy the foundation of those who have power.It is a tool to be used by the unscrupulous and can be seen in the allegations and innuendos that cast aspersion upon those who wield power. We can see it operating every day in the press as they strive to bring the truth to light but are left only with rumour and innuendo from their sources who control what is sad. This means that rumour can breed in the darkness and when we allow ourselves to follow rumour we allow ourselves to become tools of those who are looking for power. As Christians we stand for truth not rumour.

Jealousy is so easy to stoke in today's day and age. Fame and fortune are a temptation for many but with fame and fortune comes the ravages of jealousy. Should anyone rise towards fame then there is a tendency for others to become jealous. In jealousy the poison of envy lurks and destroys as we can see in our social media. The need to troll or to slander others so that those who are achieving can be brought low is seen everywhere. Fame when it is not sort may well be of benefit but when we drive ourselves towards it we will leave in our wake those that are jealous and will look to destroy the good that has been achieved so that I too can have my time in the spotlight.

We need to deal in the open not behind backs

Our third, gossip twins itself with rumour just the same as power and authority seem to be entangled in our imaginations. Difficult to separate but two slightly different things. Gossip comes in the form of out right lies not just things based on a sliver of truth such as is found in rumour. The lies that are devised are done so in order to undermine the authority that is over us in some form or another. They may seem to have a basis in truth but have no basis in truth. Is it that we do not like or appreciate someone else's talents or leadership. Let us start some gossip that will detract from their worth. Let us scatter fragments of untruth amongst those who do not know so that there is an outcry that cannot be stopped. In this manner we ourselves are protected because it is always someone else who started the gossip. Furthermore, at the end of the day the person or group we do not like is undermined and eventually has no standing no authority.

Just like the temptations of Christ we need to reject these temptations and respond not with hatred but with love. Not with the use of similar tactics but with the truth. This is a narrow way that is fraught with danger and often becomes a cause for our own hurt and martyrdom. Yet the way that Christ asks us to follow is the same as his that of rejection of evil and not the embodiment of the temptation. Remember it is not the temptation but what we ourselves do with it.