The third, and final, temptation can pretty much be summed up as: Satan said to Jesus, ‘If you serve me, I’ll help you rise to the top.’ What’s your ambition in life? Success? Fame? The world tells us that to be accepted and successful we need to achieve and then be recognised for those achievements. It’s hard to not be sucked into this kind of living. Society tells us that we need to ‘rise to the top,’ so that’s what we try to do. But it’s also hard to not become prideful. The devil wants us to focus on promoting ourselves rather than glorifying God. The devil himself is full of pride. His aspirations led him to fall from the number two spot in heaven. He claimed: ‘I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphonte sacred mountain. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High’ (Isaiah 14:13-14 NIV). Satan wants to take God’s place, but God isn’t moving. Satan wants to win you to his side, but God will never let you go. However much the enemy tries to test and tempt you, God is holding onto you tightly. So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the devil’s schemes, remember that you don’t have to defeat him in your strength. You’ve got God on your side, and He gives us strength, mercy, grace and help when we need it’ (Hebrews 4:16 NCV).
What now?
Get two different coloured pieces of string/wool/thread. Knot them together as tightly as you can, over and over, until they can’t be separated. Keep the knot you’ve made as a reminder of your relationship with God.