Having failed to tempt Jesus to focus on his physical and earthly needs and ignore his Father’s call and
instructions, the devil tests Jesus. He tests his worldly sense of independence, self-determination, self-sufficiency and self-preservation in the face of God’s promised unconditional, steadfast love and boundless mercy and protection.
The scriptures teach us that sin against the Holy Spirit of God is the worst sin. After all, the Spirit reminds us of the words of Jesus, who guides us into all truth and strengthens us in the face of evil. Yet, what can save us when we know all this and willfully, deliberately and carelessly continue with our sinful, evil, destructive behaviours?
The deliberate rejection of God our Father, denial of the very existence of God, underestimating his power, mercy, love or ability to provide for us in
every way. The destructiveness of self-abuse through bad and addictive habits, abuse of food, drink, physical energy, medication and drugs. The abuse of others, in whatever form; physical, emotional, psychological – slavery, war, etc. The willful and mindless destruction of creation around us; pollution, wasting water and energy, and relentless destruction of our habitat and wildlife. All these things can probably be counted as such sins because, in all these ways, we continuously put God’s
love, mercy and provision to the test.
Consider your life with the following words: Search me, O God and know my heart today. Try me, O Lord and know
my thoughts, I pray. See if there is some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin and set me free.
