Help in temptation

In the Lord's prayer, we say, 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.'

I'd never paid much attention to the link between these two lines - that little word, 'for'. But it's very significant.

When we're led into temptation and evil, we're led away from the kingdom of God, away from the power & glory of the King and his kingdom. But because temptation seems so very enticing, we need to be reminded first that there is no glory in giving in to temptation (only shame) and second, that there is infinitely greater glory in the kingdom of God.

The point is made clearly if we remember that 'for' could also be translated 'because', in which case it reads, 'Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, because the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, now and forever.'

Giving in to temptation results in momentary pleasure and long-lasting bad consequences. Following God results in experiencing the kingdom of God, its power & glory, 'now and forever.'