Friday, May 24, 2024

Listen to the Word

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.  (James 1:13-15)

James declares that your struggle with temptation is a personal one. Your tendency get dragged away is not God’s fault. It is not your parents’ fault, or your friends’ fault, or Hollywood’s fault. The problem is with your own desires.

And James makes it clear that your struggle with temptation is a serious one. The consequences are literally life and death. If you chase your harmful desires down the road, you will find that they ultimately lead to death.

Don’t try to pass the blame. And don’t try to blow it off. You must own your temptation, and you must resist it.

Live the Word

Each time a temptation seems appealing to you today, ask God to lend you some of his strength so you can stand firm.