After reading some scripture stories as a younger kid, I thought that coming face-to-face with the adversary where he blatantly tries to get me to worship him would be a little more common in my life.
Gratefully, that has not been the case in my life thus far.
But… I sure face temptations.
In my teenage years, the temptations were more focused on “choosing the wrong”.
It wasn’t all that difficult to figure out where the enemy was tempting me: to lie, to cross that line, to make that choice.
It was a clear temptation to do something I knew logically was wrong.
But as I’ve matured spiritually, I’ve recognized that the adversary has needed to change tactics with me.
Now the temptations are more like “choose this fun thing over this thing that would be best” or “you’re doing fine compared to these other people so no need to improve” or “you’ll never be good enough so why even bother trying”.
And I’ve noticed it’s actually harder to call these out as “temptations”.
But Moses gives us the perfect pattern that can help.
When we remember who we are and our divine identity, the temptations are a whole lot easier to call out and rebuke.
“I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten… Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not”. (Moses 1:13-16)
Elder Stevenson taught:
“Command the enemy of your soul by saying: ‘Go away! You have no glory. Do not tempt or lie to me! For I know I am a child of God. And I will always call upon my God for His help.’”
He tempts and he lies. That’s his work.
God’s work and glory is infinitely more magnificent.
And we are His children.
The more I understand this, the easier it is to identify: “Wait a second, why would I ever think that it’s not worth trying to improve? I’m a daughter of God and so of course I’m going to keep trying.”
“I’m a daughter of God and I know that so much more joy comes from service and work than from another round of that TV show.”
“I’m a daughter of God so I know I can’t compare myself to others to judge my progress. I want to keep getting closer to God, no matter what.”
Knowing my identity makes it easier to call out the lies.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
I like how you acknowledged that temptation can look different as an adult and I appreciated your examples. Thanks for sharing your insight—it helped me think differently.
Thank you!