Temptation

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. [Then] the tempter came to him....
-Matthew 4:1-3a

When the sun is shining and you are feeling full of energy, it is easy to resist temptation. Although this is also the time when it is easy to become complacent, realizing before it is too late is a relatively easy cure. However, when you are tired, under pressure, or hungry it seems excusable to be irritable, give in to gluttony, or slip into any other sin.

Watching my toddler daughter makes it easy to see this trait in human nature. Although she will happily obey, put her toys away, or have her teeth brushed when she is feeling fine, she becomes obstinate, whiny, or brazenly disobedient if she is hungry, overly tired, or ill. She is so predictable in this that we can use her attitude as a barometer of her physical well-being. Although we understand this link, it is no more right for her to disobey when she is hungry than when she is not. It is still disobedience.

It is certainly true that it is more difficult to do what is right when our physical circumstances are poor. God knows this as well, and I believe that is why Jesus, our example, was tempted after being in the desert without food for forty days and nights! Many of us find ourselves in a foul temper, completely unconcerned with the glory of God, if deprived of a meal for only several hours. The Judge of the universe will not overlook a sin "because we weren't feeling well."

Be on your guard, especially during your low times; and remember, "with temptation will also [be a] way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." -1 Cor. 10:13