Given By Rev. Madison Shockley March 10, 2019

On this first Sunday of Lent, we recount the story of Jesus’s time in the wilderness. He was tempted several times by the force which vies for our allegiance. Temptation distracts us from the primary purpose that God has for our lives. If we are not careful, we will spend all of our lives lost in the wilderness. Generally, these temptations take three forms. The first is survival. What will we do to survive? If we believe that just surviving is all there is to God’s purpose for us, then we are lost. There is more meaning to life than merely survival. The second temptation is materialism. All the stuff or all the power in the world cannot bring you true fulfillment. The materials of this world are not worthy of our worship. The final temptation is the temptation of narcissism. As we strive to become close to God, we can become confused and begin to think we are God or that God serves us rather than we serve God. Today, our world seem to have many people who have fallen into this last temptation. The world needs those that recognize what truly is worthy of devotion. The followers of Jesus must come out of the wilderness, filled with the power of God, and get ready to do the work of God.

Video: