Psalm 17:3

³Though you probe my heart, though you examine me at night and test me, you will find that I have planned no evil; my mouth has not transgressed.  

How great the feeling could be when we know that no evil has disillusioned us throughout the day. But if the Lord probes us at the end of the day, we won’t be totally innocent. The Lord warned us in Mark 14:38, ³⁸Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

The Lord knows our limitation. Anyone can be tempted by materialism, power and fame. We are also tempted to be independent from the Lord. Temptation of any kind is a reality that we should watch and pray for. We believe that Christ has saved us from the penalty of sin which is eternal torture. We should trust that Christ can save us also from temptation that could cause us to sin.

A newly elected mayor was sincere, dedicated and responsible. In the next election, he was tempted to run for the president’s office but did not get enough vote and lost. So in the next election, he decided to run as mayor in the city where he first elected. His constituents remembered his dedication and voted him as their mayor.

Politics is full of temptation. Temptation for power, authority, money and fame is never absent in politics. Pray that the church won’t be polluted by politics. Church leaders and pastors are ordinary humans that can be tempted anytime. May we be inspired by Colossians 4:2-3, ²Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. ³And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ.

When we devote time in prayer, there will be rejoicing in heaven when doors are opened for the proclamation of the mystery of Christ.

Lord Jesus, help me share your gospel gladly.

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