Sunday, March 01, 2026

Toolkit of verses for my own temptations

Last week's post reviewed the verses that Jesus employed to rebuke the tempter. 

My own temptations are different. Of course I'm as much at risk of temptation as any person is. Still I am confident that the tempter will never try to goad me to turn stones to bread or offer me the kingdoms of the world. 

So what are my own common temptations? What verses would I want to call to mind for the temptations I am likely to face? 

  1. The temptation to over-rely on knowledge, or to consider it the most worthwhile thing for me to develop: 
    Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. (I Corinthians 8:1)

  2. The temptation to overvalue work, and to undervalue rest: 
    In six days you shall do all your work, and on the seventh you shall rest. (Exodus 20:9-10)

    If ever I faced the opposite temptation, to overvalue rest and undervalue work, it would also be a suitable verse. 

  3. The temptation to anxiety about the future: 
    And who among you, by being anxious, can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)

  4. The temptation to resentment about ill-treatment, especially from people from whom I could (by relation) hope for fairness. 
    Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord. (Psalm 19:14)
I expect it would be a good practice for me to review what temptations I've faced each day, and review the places where I'm taught to fend it off. 

No comments: