MONDAY MANNA 24 January 2011 PDF   Subscribe

Monday Manna 24 January 2011

LEADING US NOT INTO TEMPTATION
By: Robert J. Tamasy

It seems to happen so often these days, we hardly flinch: A prominent leader – a politician, business executive, celebrated sports figure, even a member of the clergy – committing some major ethical breach or being caught up in serious scandal. When we hear or hear about it, we just shrug our shoulders. So what else is new?

What a sad commentary this is, however, on the world in which we live. Throughout the ages, without question, highly recognized and powerful leaders have fallen from positions of great influence to the depths of immense failure. But should this be accepted as the norm? Are we to assume a universal application of the adage, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”?

Nobody is perfect, we argue. Or we use the “We are only human” defense. Although both statements hold a measure of truth, they do not excuse unethical or immoral behavior. The fact that such failures are still “news” underscores the reality that adherence to high ethical standards and moral values is still what we expect from our leaders, whether those in government, small business owners, or CEOs of huge monolithic corporations.

The greater issue, however, is not how to convince leaders we will never meet to live according to higher ethical and moral requirements. The issue involves you and me: How can we consistently abide by what we know is right and wrong – to be leaders worthy of following in our own homes, workplaces and communities?

In reading the timeless “business manual” better known as the Bible, we see an honest assessment of the human condition: “There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10). But that statement is not offered as justification for a lack of integrity or refusal to follow commonly accepted moral guidelines. Instead, the Scriptures provide warnings and suggestions for attaining – and maintaining – a higher standard of behavior:

No one is immune. Years ago I heard about the head of a major non-profit organization who had declared, “The one area where I will never fail is that of relationships.” A few years later he was discovered in an adulterous affair with his administrative assistant. That is why the Bible warns, “So if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Beware when things are going well. We can be most vulnerable to temptation when things are going well, when we feel that we have everything under control. At such times we tend to rely on our self-sufficiency and can forget about dependence on God. “Now in my prosperity I said, ‘I shall never be moved…’” (Psalm 30:6).

We all have an escape. “I couldn’t help it” is a poor excuse if we yield to temptation and fall into ethical or moral failure. The temptation might seem too great to resist, but if we look to God, He will enable us to avoid taking temptation to the next step – sin. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Everyone needs help. “I’m too weak; I cannot resist the temptation.” That might be true, but if we believe the Bible, it assures us we can receive the strength of Jesus Christ to do what we cannot do on our own. “…For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). “I can do everything through (Christ) who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

Reflection/Discussion Questions

1. How do you typically react when you hear about the moral or ethical failure of a noted public figure or celebrity?
2. Can you identify a particular area of your life where temptations seem stronger than in other areas? If so, how do you handle such situations? On the other hand, is there an area of your life where – like the leader referred to in this “Monday Manna” – you believe you would never yield to temptation? Explain your answers.
3. Do you believe that regardless of the situation, God can provide a way of escape from temptation if needed? Why or why not?
4. What steps can you take to overcome areas of moral or ethical weakness in your life? Or what advice would you give to a friend or colleague asking for help?

NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review additional passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:

Matthew 6:13, 26:41; 1 Timothy 6:9-100; James 1:2-3, 13-15; 2 Peter 2:9-10