07 : tempting

"If you are the Son of God, jump off! It is written in the Scriptures: 'He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you.'" 

— Matthew 4:6 

In the wilderness, Christ faced trials that tested his very essence. Temptation, in the form of doubt, pride, and promises of power, came from the adversary [Jung saw this figure as the envious older brother, God's first son, Lucifer, in his Answer to Job]. Yet, Christ remained steadfast in his sense of purpose and direction, never swayed by what appeared to be shortcuts or easy solutions. This moment reminds us that self-discovery is not achieved through someone else's success or by following another's path; it is forged in the trials we face and the choices we make during times of testing. 

In our own lives, we too encounter moments of temptation: the pull to take shortcuts, the pressure to compromise, or the voice that questions our worth. But it is in these very moments of struggle that we discover our strength, our values, and our true direction. Trials are not just obstacles; they are the crucibles that refine us, helping us shed what is not authentic and guiding us toward our true selves.

As we journey through these 40 days, we may encounter our own wilderness of tests, whether they come in the form of difficult decisions, moments of doubt, or feelings of inadequacy. Just as Christ was not delivered by divine intervention from the trials he faced, we too must endure our struggles. It is not about avoiding challenges, but about learning to rise above them and choose the path that resonates with our inner truth. 

This is your journey of testing and strengthening, where the answers you seek will come not from others, but from within. Embrace each temptation, each challenge, as an opportunity to deepen your connection with your own truth. 

Journaling Prompt: Think about a recent moment where you faced a temptation or challenge. How did you respond? What did you learn about yourself in that moment? 

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