The Dangers of Temptation

This life we live isn't for the fainthearted. It's not easy, and no one is exempt. You might think the rich and famous have it easy with all their resources, but they carry their own private battles. We all face challenges and hard times, but what makes us different is how we react to the temptation that comes with them.

We all know the story in Matthew chapter 4, verses 1 to 4: Jesus fasting forty days and forty nights and then being tempted by the devil. What strikes me is how the Bible literally says He was led into the wilderness to be tempted. It’s almost like this was the intention—He was taken there so that temptation would come.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”

—Matthew 4:1–4 (NKJV)

Isn't that interesting? This by itself teaches us that temptation is something we will never be able to avoid. As long as you are alive, you will face it. And one of the most dangerous tricks the devil uses is the Word of God itself. This strategy has worked, is still working, and sadly will continue to work—because of our ignorance.

The Devil’s Misdirection

The Bible tells us that after forty days, Jesus was starving. And this is where the devil saw an opportunity. “If You are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.” A simple suggestion—but deep. The devil knew God could do it. If He could part the Red Sea and bring water out of a rock, He could surely turn a stone into bread.

And this is the same scenario many of us face today. We find ourselves asking, “Why me, Lord? Why am I in this trouble? Why won’t You take it away?” This question is the devil’s temptation. His trick is to make you doubt God’s purpose in your situation, to make you believe all problems need to be solved immediately. The world has taught us that problems are meant to be removed—that life should always be easy, delicious, peaceful. But the Word of God says otherwise.

What is the True Bread?

When Jesus answered, He said: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”

So, what is this "bread"? It is fleshly desires. Man shall not live by marriage alone. Man shall not live by money alone. Man shall not live by job alone. Man shall not live by family, by friends, by health, by car, or by business. None of these give life. Only God's Word gives life.

We compare ourselves to others—friends succeeding while we struggle, businesses thriving while ours fail—and we ask, “Why me?” But the real question is: “Why not you?” What makes you so special that trials should avoid you? Even Jesus faced temptation. Who are we to think we’re above Him?

Where Real Proof Lies

Here is where many Christians lose it—we look at success, money, and possessions and say, “God is with them.” But that is not how Scripture measures God’s presence. In my short time as a believer, I’ve learned this: the real proof that God is in someone’s life is found in how they overcome challenges. Period. Don’t tell me riches mean blessings. The devil has his own bag of blessings too, and he freely hands out money if it means capturing a soul.

Jesus overcame the devil’s temptations through the Spirit of God. His strength was anchored in Scripture. Every time He replied, He said: “It is written.” The Word of God was His compass, His manual. And the same applies to us—we cannot avoid temptation, but we can overcome it if we obey the Spirit of God.

Because what do we really control? Only our reactions. We can lean on our money, wisdom, family, and friends, or we can let the Spirit of God guide us. But time and time again, people disappoint us. We disappoint ourselves. Money fails, health fades, friends betray, family wounds us. Yet we keep going back, only to be disappointed again.

How many millionaires with terminal illnesses fly from nation to nation seeking experimental treatments—when all it would take is falling on their knees, confessing their sins, and asking God for healing? Why is it so hard to believe that wouldn’t work? It’s just too simple, right?

Unfortunately, our trust is in money. The devil knows this truth all too well, and he uses that very money to torment us. God never disappoints. Even when blessings are delayed, even when trouble comes, His plans remain good. Know this: God’s definition of "good" is completely different from ours. To us, the cross looked cruel and unjust. But to God, it was salvation.

Praying God’s Will

Here’s another danger: the devil even uses Scripture against us. He whispers, “You’re not supposed to be in this trouble. He can do anything; He will provide for you. Pray against it.” But if God Himself has allowed that thorn, praying against it makes us resist His will.

That’s why prayer must be two-sided—not us telling God what to do, but seeking His mind. “Father, what is happening? What do You want me to do?”

Paul himself admitted God gave him a thorn to keep him humble. At first, he prayed repeatedly for it to be removed. But God told him, “This is good for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness.” With that revelation, Paul submitted. He stopped fighting and aligned himself with God’s will. And that is where freedom lies. Not in fighting against every trial, but in knowing God’s mind about your trial.

That is the difference between churchgoers and true Christians. True Christians have a relationship with God. They enter every situation knowing God is with them, even when He is silent—the silence itself is often the answer.

The True Measure of Wealth

Many of the things we think are good for us are often not good at all. I’ve seen Christians in expensive cars despise those in ordinary ones. I wonder—who is really their God?

We often measure spiritual standing by financial status, but Scripture teaches us to be wary of that equation. Just because you appear “above” someone in the flesh doesn't mean you are in the spirit. In fact, sometimes it reveals a dangerous dependency.

Consider the difference: When trouble hits, the financially secure person's first reaction is to look at their bank account, their contacts, their friends, and their family. God is often the last resort.

But for the poor or homeless person who has nothing else to lean on, the first and only option is prayer. God is number one on their priority list.

Your priorities betray where your true trust lies. Look at how you react to a celebrity versus a homeless person. It exposes just how much we worship blessings over God. For all we know, he probably sacrificed a few family members to get where he is today. But who cares, right? He’s rich—what matters most is the money.

Listen—there is deep truth in the Word: “The first shall be the last, and the last shall be the first.”

Let the Spirit of God lead you. Be obedient to the Spirit, and you will avoid the very things that lead others astray. You will be safe.