Q) How does one advance spiritually in this age with the constant bombardment and temptations that come up in everyday living? I am struggling within. Wanting so many things and also wanting to please God. When you feel that you are left out of society and want to be involved. I don’t wish to give in to temptation . . . how can I remain strong? —A Reader in North Carolina, US
A) The temptations in society today are no different than those “the tempter” bombarded Jesus with in his day—power, greed, sensuality, and so on (see Matt. 4:1–11). Jesus’ response is a blueprint for all of us to follow in overcoming such temptations. Verse 23 shows that once Jesus saw through the temptation and settled the question about who he was, as the “Son of God,” he began his ministry. Settling this question about who you are—the much-loved child of God—enables you to get on with your holy purpose, too. No, it’s not the same as Jesus’ mission, but you’ve got one.
Our desire to advance spiritually and please God is a prayer that will be answered. Consider this promise on the bottom of page 1 in Science and Health: “Desire is prayer; and no loss can occur from trusting God with our desires, that they may be moulded and exalted before they take form in words and in deeds.”
