Tempted to Fix

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” - Matthew 4:1-3

The Tempter invited Jesus to fix a problem. Jesus was hungry, so the Tempter says, “Go make a sandwich.” 

As we saw yesterday, there was so much more at stake, because the Tempter is trying to disconnect Jesus from his Father (note the words, “If you are the Son of God…”). But today, let’s focus on the simple temptation to fix problems, to fix people, and to fix ourselves.

Making the world better certainly seems like a reasonable and godly thing to do. But I bet if you look into your heart, you’ll see that many times your attempts to do so are really what Cody called on Sunday “powering up, pacifying, or perfecting.” He was talking about the specific temptations most common to Enneagram type 8s, 9s and 1s (see more HERE). The 8s can try to fix things by dominating situations or people, the 9s instinctually shut down conflict or tension, and the 1s hypercritically attempt to modify people (starting with themselves) to fit some vision of ‘perfect people.’ And none of these things are helpful.

Of course 8s, 9s, and 1s bring many gifts to the world – often through carrying others on with their strength (8s), bringing understanding and peace when people differ (9s), and making the world a better place (1s). So the key is this: do you just instinctually jump into a situation to fix it, or do you remain grounded in the Father’s love and with awareness of your own inclination to control things, graciously step into that same situation but with a wholeness and health that truly bring gracious change? 

To prepare for being tempted to fix things in the wrong way today, pray through Psalm 46:10. Speak each line one at a time and reflect over it in silence for a few moments before moving on to the next line, emptying yourself of all distractions, and allowing your mind, heart and body to reconnect to the Father’s love.

Be still and know that I am God

Be still and know that I am

Be still and know 

Be still

Be