Jesus Christ is our Standard by which everything else is measured against. Compromise is acceptance of anything less. We are constantly tried and tested to see if we will give into the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things. We are tempted just as Jesus was to compromise our belief system. The devil attempted to exploit a need or weakness after Jesus had fasted 40 days by attempting to get Him to command the stones to become bread. Jesus responded with the Word of OUR FATHER:
Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.’”
Seeing that Jesus used the Word as His standard or code of conduct, the devil then attempted to use the Word to tempt Him a second time:
5 Then the devil *took Him into the holy city and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and *said 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 STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’”
The devil misused the Scripture (Psalm 91:12) to fit his own agenda. Jesus saw through this as He responded:
7 Jesus said to him, “On the other hand, it is written, ‘YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’”
Jesus understood the intent behind the devil’s temptation. Quoting Scripture to suit one’s intent does not validate the intent but serves to convince the other person into responding to the manipulation. In the end, it is all about intent.
The devil’s third temptation dealt with fame and fortune, to exalt one’s ego:
8 Again, the devil *took Him to a very high mountain and *showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory; 9 and he said to Him, “All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus *said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.’”
I learned a valuable lesson in 1992 when FATHER directed me to buy the current house we are in. HE told me what to pay for the house which was less than the current asking price. I thought that I would offer even less, expecting to arrive at FATHER’S price. HE corrected me. HE said, “When you negotiate, you manipulate, and manipulation is not of ME”. Oops! I started out thinking I would help out the situation only to find that I needed correction instead. We paid the exact price we offered and not a penny more… without any negotiation.
It is critical that we know the WORD OF GOD. Moreover, we must focus on the intent behind THE WORD or we will be manipulated by those who would use it to further their own agenda. Many can quote Scripture but does it ring true in the situation at hand. When in doubt, do nothing. Don’t be move by the convincing arguments sprinkled with Scripture. As we focus on the Divine Intent of FATHER, we will understand HIS ways. As we become confident in knowing HIS Character, we will be able to discern the path we should take, especially if it is unpopular. Jesus did not give into pressure by the devil, His disciples, Pharisees, or anyone else. The WORD and SPIRIT established His standard. Let us walk by the same standard. Be assured that this standard has Love at its base.