ILLUS: Alexander MacLaren, in a sermon entitled Faith Tested and Crowned, distinguished between being tempted and being tested or tried. He said that, the former word conveys the idea of appealing to the worst part of man, with the wish that he may yield and do the wrong. The latter means an appeal to the better part of man, with the desire that he should stand. Temptation says, `Do this pleasant thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is wrong. Trial or proving says, `Do this right and noble thing; do not be hindered by the fact that it is painful. The one is a sweet, beguiling melody, breathing soft indulgence and relaxation over the soul; the other is a pealing trumpet-call to high achievements. Satan tempts us to bring out the worst in us; God tests us to bring out the best in us. I will welcome happiness, for it enlarges my heart; yet, I will endure sadness, for it opens my soul. I will acknowledge rewards, for they are my due; yet, I will welcome obstacles, for they are my challenge.
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 12:18:08 +0000
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