Day 5 - Pray for Help with Your Temptations
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Matthew 6:13
The sixth petition in the Lord’s Prayer asks that we not be led into temptation but delivered from evil. This prayer reminds us that the devil is constantly active. We should not be surprised at temptation but rather, expect it. This prayer also reminds us that we can be greater sinners than we already are. We should, therefore, watch and pray, being mindful of the daily temptations that are part of life. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus warned the disciples of the time of temptation they faced. He instructed them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation” (Luke 22:40).
Temptation comes in many forms. Theologians talk about sins of “commission” and sins of “omission.” Sins of commission are when we do something God forbids. Sins of omission are when we do not do something God commands. We fall prey to both kinds of sins. In addition, we do not always realize when we sin. There is no time in which we are without sin.
Temptation often comes from within. It is driven by our own selfish interests. We are too lazy to do what ought to be done. We are afraid of what others will think, and our fear keeps us from following God’s way. We break one of God’s commands simply because we want to. What we want seems more important in the moment than what we know is God’s command. We sin in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Reformed theologians have always reminded people that we sin even in our best deeds. At no time are we free from the sin that clings to us so easily. In addition, the devil stands ready to prompt us toward evil whenever he sees an opening.
What can we do? The apostle Paul urged the young Timothy to “flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, and peace” (II Timothy 2:22). It has been noted that it is easier to avoid temptation than to resist it. It is easier not to have a cookie on your plate than to resist one in front of you. This is why Paul encouraged Timothy to flee from youthful passions. It is best not to do hand to hand battle with temptations that we tend to lose. Jesus made a wise observation to the disciples. He said that their spirits were willing, but the flesh was weak (Matthew 26:41). For that reason, he told them to “watch and pray.”
Take a moment to think about the various ways in which you are tempted. Pray that God will help you be so devoted to the good that there is little room for what displeases God.