Temptation is a doorway into the mystery of God, Diogenes Allen believes. Instead of trying to avoid the temptations of our daily lives, we need to recognize them as an essential part of our journey into the kingdom of God. As our model we have the three temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness: the temptations of material goods, security, and prestige. To face the reality of these temptations, even though we cannot overcome them, is to enter the spiritual life. If temptation is the doorway to fullness of life, then the 'steps along the way' teach us humility--becoming more realistic about ourselves, the world we live in, and the new persons we are called to become. We learn to realize the value of others, to use our talents more effectively, and to admit that only entering into the mystery of God can truly fulfill us. This spiritual journey is more like a spiral then a path, since we will continue to meet our temptations over and over again throughout our lives as we move slowly toward the foot of the cross and the promise of resurrection.
