He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened.”
Matthew 13:33
Dear members and friends,
Temptation is a word frequently used by Christians as well as by religious people in general, yet in a somewhat confused way. Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines temptation as “the desire to do or have something that you know is bad or wrong, or as a thing that makes you want to do or have something that you know is bad or wrong.” This lengthy definition assumes that temptation is always negative. Thus, temptation is often used and illustrated as enticement in all literature, movies, T.V. dramas, etc. Does this mean temptation is a bad thing that we should avoid at all cost?
What is enlightening is that the word temptation is used in a positive way in the Bible, both Old and New Testament. The Hebrew word for temptation is nissah, meaning “to test or prove” one’s faithfulness in God. The Greek word is peirasmos, meaning “trial or testing,” again, to be pure or prove one’s faithfulness. In this positive context, God is the giver of the temptation in the Bible, because a human being could achieve a true union with God only through proving one’s faithfulness and purity. Emanuel Swedenborg echoes this aspect in his Arcana Coelestia #4274, “for none are able to be tempted except those who are governed by the good of faith, that is, by charity towards the neighbor. If those who are not governed by such charity experienced temptation, they would instantly give way.” Swedenborg even emphasizes the necessity of human temptation as the critical instrument for their spiritual growth. Thus, despite the fact that temptation is used as enticement these days, originally temptation meant being tested to be assured of one’s faithfulness.
My brothers and sisters in God, let us pray together this week. Let us pray for those who are confused, lost, and struggling with the power and influence of worldly desires. Let us pray that they all find their way to come into the presence of our Lord and find peace and comfort.
Blessings,
Rev. Junchol Lee