Do we serve God or Do we Serve Ourselves?

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7 

Psalm 51:3-4, 5-6, 12-13, 17

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

Who do you serve?  Bob Dylan sings: 

". . . you’re gonna have to serve somebody. 

Yes indeed, you're gonna have to serve somebody.  

It may be the devil or it maybe the Lord,

But you're gonna have to serve somebody."

In the modern world, people take temptation lightly.  In the Bible, the temptations are usually more serious than just being tempted by a fancy dessert.  In these readings are two separate examples of temptation with consequences that has affected  each of our lives and salvation. 

Temptation is enticement.  An enticement focused on self and ego.  In the face of temptation, Adam and Eve chose to put themselves first instead of the wishes of God.  They fell to temptation.  Adam and Eve had everything but they failed to resist the temptation of the one thing they did not possess. 

Since, Adam and Eve did not resist temptation, the consequences have been felt by humanity for many lifetimes. It made them realize their human weaknesses and it separated them and us from God. 

The second temptation story tests the weakness of humanity as well. Despite his divinity, Jesus was in total acceptance of his humanness.  He entered so deeply into this humanness that all he could do against temptation was abandon his human weaknesses to the divine will of the one who sent him.

Jesus Christ in his humanity did resist temptation and gave  the promise of a new life.  Adam and Eve represent every man and every woman.  They begin a history of human weakness which brings sin and death.  However, Christ gives us a new beginning.  A history that has life and righteousness.  The problem is we are more often going to be like Adam and Eve, even though we are called to be more like Christ.

The Psalm points out the issue of temptation as something we may not understand. “Against you, you only, have I sinned.”  It is not a sin based on shame but pride. 

Both of these temptations could be restated, who you gonna serve?  Will you serve the self-centered sin of our ego.  The sin of denying our need for God. The other choice is the love that is God. Who you gonna serve?