and the greatest of these is power...

So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Corinthians 13:13

So if love is the answer, what is the problem?

The liturgy of The Church for lent starts with the story of Christ in the desert. The devil's first temptation to turn stones into bread perhaps represents our lower temptations, intoxication, lust, gluttony...the list goes on.

Even if believing in the devil is impossible or at least difficult for you as it is for myself we should not be too concerned. The lessons are still in front of us all.  The mere fact that we see ourselves and others virtually taken over by drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addictions, food or a myriad of other problematic pleasures that all have one element of destruction. Separation from a relationship with our Creator. Self reliance. We settle for the quick high of pleasure in exchange for peace, love, joy and service to our fellow human beings. Pleasure is a good thing not bad, but we must not devote our lives to the pursuit of it.

The second temptation of the Christ was of glory as Satan takes Jesus to the high point of the Jewish Temple. Think of the wasted lives spent seeking other people's attention and admiration.

The last temptation of Christ is the most dangerous. At a glance he is shown the kingdoms of all the earth and is offered to rule them all...Power, the most intoxicating and deceiving character defect of all.

In my case my attempts to manipulate others has caused the most pain and grief for both myself and all in my path. That is why my most needed prayer is simple.

"Let Your Will be done."

~Dave