When we reflect on Our Lord’s temptations and how he dealt with them, we see that in all his replies he referred to God – his focus was on God’s honour:

“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (King James Bible, Matthew 4:4).

“Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God” (King James Bible, Matthew 4:7).

“Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (King James Bible, Matthew 4:10).

And so our Lenten rule should be designed for God’s honour, not mere self-improvement.  Let us then keep a good Lent – disciplining our bodies, minds and spirits – all to honour Him.

“Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen” (King James Bible, Revelation 7:12).

Reference

1. © Archbishops’ Council (2000) Common Worship.  Holy Communion: Order Two.  Available from:
http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/principal-services/holy-communion/ordertwo.aspx (Accessed 28 January 2013) (Internet).