Spirit of Christ, whose guiding words are deep wisdom, give us strength to resist the temptation of taking the quick and easy road, that we would not fall for shortcuts that only seem to lead us where we ought to go but instead take us away from the good you are seeking to do through your gradual process of change and growth, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who took the narrow if difficult path and attained resurrection and glory through your power and that of the Father. Amen. ‘Then the devil took him to the holy city and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down; for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you,’ and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’” Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”‘ – Matthew 4:5-7 Are there shortcuts I am tempted to take to reach goals either spiritual or material? What is it about the long, slow path that makes me want to abandon it? What do I need from the Lord to help me trust in God’s designs?
Matthew R Green
PhD