During recent elections in my country, one struggling mom I know exchanged her vote for a bag of diapers. We had discussed the benefits of each candidate, so her choice disappointed me. "But what about your convictions?", I asked. She remained silent. Six months after her candidate won, taxes went even higher. Everything is now more expensive than before. . . even diapers!
In countries around the world, political corruption is not new. Spiritual corruption is not new either. Satan tried to lure Jesus into "selling" His convictions (Matt. 4:1-10). The tempter came to Him when He was tired and hungry. He offered Him immediate satisfaction, fresh bread in seconds, a miraculous delivery, the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
But Jesus knew better. He knew that shortcuts were dangerous enemies. They may offer a road free from suffering, but in the end, the pain they carry is much worse than anything we can imagine. "It is written", Jesus said three times during His temptation (vv. 4, 7, 10). He held firm to what He knew was true from God and His word. When we are tempted, God can help us too. We can depend on Him and the truth of His Word to help us avoid dangerous shortcuts. God's road is not easy, but it leads to external satisfaction.
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