If you drive at all, you’ve probably hit a pothole or two.  Some are relatively small–others quite large.  But big or small, potholes can cause more than just a “bump.”  They can cause real trouble–even major damage.  Just as there are physical potholes, there are spiritual potholes.  Sometimes they may cause little more than a small stumble, but at other times they may lead to major catastrophe.

The next-to-last petition of the Lord’s Prayer is this:  “Lead us not into temptation.” Fourth Century archbishop and scholar John Crysostom called it the “most natural” petition of the prayer because of Job 7:1.  A common translation of that time read this way:  “Is not man’s life on earth one continuous temptation?”  It sure seems that way at times.

The word Jesus used for temptation in Matthew 6:13 can mean a couple of things.  It can suggest a test, which is something designed to prove or strengthen our faith.  But it can also refer to a trap–something meant to weaken or destroy us.  It would seem that it’s that latter meaning that Jesus had in mind.  I Peter 5:8 reminds us that we have an enemy–the Devil–who “prowls around…, looking for someone to devour.”  Satan is out to destroy us, so it makes perfect sense that Jesus would teach us to pray for safety from his attacks.

But, how do we prepare ourselves for temptation when it comes?

  • First, remember that God does test us (remember Abraham?), but he does not tempt us (cf. James 1:13). Temptation comes from either our own internal desires (cf. James 1:4) or external pressures (cf. Romans 12:2).
  • Second, be clear about God’s purposes.  Psalm 119:11 reminds us that knowledge of God’s Word, the Bible, is key to recognizing what is of God and what is not, and being able to identify when we are being tempted.
  • Third, recognize that there are options when we are tempted.  I Corinthians 10:13 tells us that God himself provides ways to avoid sin.
  • Fourth, commit to choosing what is right–or at least firmly rejecting what is wrong.  Let’s be honest, there are times when distinguishing right from wrong is not always easy, but I would suggest that it is usually more obvious than we might admit.
  • Fifth, be aware of your weak spots.  A friend of mine is a recovering alcoholic.  He knows that there are certain settings and things he must avoid.  Your  danger zones may not be alcohol, but you have them–so make sure you avoid them.
  • Sixth, focus on what is right and true, rather than what is not.  Philippians 4:8 reinforces the importance of that.
  • Finally, pray–pray without ceasing.  After all, isn’t that what Jesus told us to do–to pray? “Lead us not into temptation.”