“Two sides of the same coin.”
This is a common expression used when two things are regarded as parts of the same thing.
In Jesus’ model prayer, the last petition uses a word that has two meanings. English Bible translations render it temptation. The word itself means testing but is translated as both temptations and trials. If testing is the coin, one side is trials and the flip side is temptations.
Temptations are enticements to do evil. Trials are hardships. Scripture is clear that God does not tempt anyone towards evil (James 1:13). It is also clear that trials are occasions for pure joy because they develop perseverance and maturity (James 1:2). But, since both could lead to disobedience, “lead us not into temptation” reflects a desire to avoid the problem of sin.
The North American Church is surrounded by temptations that some parts of the world do not have. It’s easy to give into the temptation of comfort and ease and ignore the needs of the lost and the unreached. Lord, deliver us from the evil of indifference.
This week, let’s pray:
“Father in heaven, protect me from situations that entice me towards sin. Awaken me to your global vision. Deliver me from the evil of indifference.”
