Monday: Free will is an actual reality, though we seldom understand it because it involves a paradox: our capacity for free choice does not develop by our doing whatever we want or by simply giving into our impulses; this actually enslaves us. No, the power to choose grows in the face of resistance, in and through temptation.
Tuesday: Of course, it is perfectly natural to have doubts. In fact, doubt is a part of an intelligent and healthy life. Without a degree of uncertainty, there are no new discoveries. Yet, when doubt rules our lives, especially in a spiritual context, it paralyzes us, leaving us without awe, wonder, or transcendence.
Wednesday: When we are not living from a big picture, depth, and a transcendent purpose, pleasure becomes the sought after prize and the god of our lives. This is the formula for addiction.
Thursday: A major temptation that is very prevalent in our culture is the will-to-power. This temptation has to do with the impulse to constrain, control, and compel. It becomes particularly dangerous when God is taken out of the equation of life.
Friday: I hope that this week has shown that we should not view temptations through a myopic lens, seeing them as only evil. We are also tempted to do good, to be joyful, to be creative, to live meaningful lives, to serve, to love, to bring light into the world.
To see the complete passages from this week, click here.
