You shall only worship and serve the Lord your God
It is truly shocking how the temptations of the devil, put to Jesus in the desert, has succeeded in the modern world. Yesterday we reflected upon the temptation that self gratification is the primary goal of life (see yesterday’s post). Today we examine how the devil’s temptation of power, wealth and glory has become so widely accepted.
The devil approaches Jesus in this week’s Gospel Luke 4: 1-13 ‘And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment in time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.”
Reading the text makes me reflect on how often we unknowingly fall into this temptation. The pursuit of power, wealth, and glory has become so ingrained in society that it is often seen as the natural path of life. Ambition, competition, and influence are celebrated, sometimes at the cost of integrity, compassion, and faithfulness to God.
This passage challenges us to reflect: Where do we place our trust? Do we measure success by the world’s standards, or by the depth of our faith and love for others? Do we, even subtly, bow to the modern day idols of status, possessions, and recognition, rather than worshiping God alone?
It is easy to fall into this temptation without even realizing it. We tell ourselves that hard work and ambition are virtues, yet we slowly begin to equate our worth with our achievements, our possessions, or the approval of others. Social pressures and cultural norms subtly shape our desires, leading us to seek validation through titles, financial security, or social influence. Before we know it, our trust shifts from God’s providence to our own efforts, and our hearts become entangled in the pursuit of things that can never truly satisfy.
The catch is, that the devil says these worldly kingdoms have been delivered to him and he gives it to whom he wills, PROVIDING YOU WORSHIP HIM. For me this is frightening, if I eagerly seek worldly authority, power and glory, I will have to worship the devil, at the cost of my soul.
Friend, this passage causes us to examine our path of life. Have we fallen for the devil’s temptation? Have we become too attached to seeking power, wealth and glory? There is a famous calypso that goes like this:
So you ‘fraid Satan, that mysterious man?
And you keep saying, "In Hell he living."
Is time you know, you thinking wrong
Devil for so all over town
You ‘fraid de devil? You ‘fraid him bad?
Well look de devil right in your yard!
An’ he grinning while you saying grace
Shaking up he tail in people face
Wey de devil dey? Wey de devil dey?
Look de devil dey!
NOTICE
I planned on conducting an online retreat during Lent, but I have been swamped with parish pastoral work, permitting me little time to prepare. So once again, I ask for your understanding in postponing the event to a later date, to be announced. I apologize for the inconvenience.