We Are So Much More

The First Sunday of Lent is always the Temptation of Jesus. Since this is Year B (A-Matthew, B-Mark & John, C-Luke) we get the abridged version of the Temptation and don't hear Satan's discourses to Christ. Satan tries to tempt Jesus into using his divine powers to feed Himself after 40 days without eating. Yet, despite Jesus's hunger, he responds, "One does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." He does not allow Himself to be controlled by His most base desires.

In our world today, Satan has tempted many others in the same way, and they have fallen. Fast food restaurants serve us food that is instantly prepared before our eyes, even as we scream at the high school kid behind the counter to hurry it up. Beauty is seen as everything. When was the last time you turned on the TV and didn't see a commercial for a hair-transforming shampoo, a wrinkle-wiping cream, or some other cosmetic wonder? Our culture's "sexual revolution" objectifies women, reducing beautiful creations of God to mere sex objects. Our culture seeks to redefine marriage, gender, and reduce humans, made in the image and likeness of God, to being defined by their sexuality, a trait we share with most other forms of life. We're constantly bombarded with messages telling us that the latest sports car, home appliance, or cell phone will finally make us happy. "Experts" in everything from astronomy to psychology wave their PhD's and advanced degrees in our faces, saying, "Get this degree and be smart like me." It can be easy to lose hope, or to give in to these temptations.

Yet, Jesus gives us an example by not succumbing to one base desire. He shows us that we defined by more than our sexuality, our possessions, our beauty, or our education. He shows us that only one definition matters: our definition as Children of God. That, no matter what talents we have or don't have, we are all given gifts to be used in the service of a God who loves us and desperately wants us to spend eternity with Him in Heaven. When we deny ourselves worldly pleasures, our emptiness can be filled by His grace, which is all we really need. 

So, next time you are tempted, remember, you're a child of God. You are loved. You are worth more to God than you could ever imagine. That in itself should give you strength like Jesus to say, "Go away, Satan!"