15 December 2004

Once again we begin with "A Passion for the Possible" by William Sloan Coffin.



Coffin writes of temptations and used the second temptation in Luke in which the devil takes Jesus to a high place and offers him authority over everything if Jesus will worship him.

What is the temptation if not the ancient but timeless one of seeking status through power? The sin of Adam and Eve had nothing to do with sex, everything to do with power. True, their disobedient deed took place at the foot of the tree of knowledge, but it was hardly for the sake of knowledge that Adam and Eve took the apple. They wanted power; they wanted to know more, to have more, to be more. "You will be like God" (Genesis 3:5) tempted the serpent, and they jumped at the chance, as to this day does Adam and Eve in almost everyone of us. (If not literally true, the story is eternally true).



Power is something that quickly creeps into our being. The lust to be more than what I am...or to be more than you...or to be something other that what I am, is often too great to resist. It can all seem quite appropriate and we can justify our actions as we try to "be like God" (although we would never admit to doing that). Could it be that we tie the story of the fall to sex because we can more easily make that a 'sin' that we supposedly can avoid. Whereas the lust for power is something we will not even admit to or acknowledge. Because sometimes, the power we seek is as simple as exercising our gifts for our own benefit - "Look what a good boy/girl am I."



Connection: If we are, as individual, so easily swept up into the realm of power grabbing at our everyday level of life, imagine what it must be to be swept up into the realm of power that is promised to those who hold offices in government or agencies. Today may be a time to exercise our ability to pray and call forth strength of character for those in positions that would usually hold great power - may they be humble and seek too serve others.



Lord, teach us the ways of your peace, so that as we walk through the opportunities of this day we will not be seduced by their promises of power and well-being that often leaves the vision of your Reign behind us. Amen.