No one experiencing temptation should say, “I am being tempted by God”; for God is not subject to temptation to evil, and he himself tempts no one. Rather, each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. James 1:13-14 NABRE
The Letter of James opens speaking about trials and joys. The section on trials teaches that those who persevere in temptation will be blessed, fortunate, to be congratulated. There is the temptation (or trial) and then there is the response to the temptation. As the quoted verse says God is not subjecting us to temptation, rather temptation comes from our own desires, or own wants, usually of the flesh. God is able to use perseverance in temptation to bring a gift to life. God can bring a lesson out of the temptation that helps us grow and become a better disciple. We might find ourselves in some kind of problem, needing money, a bad relationship, or perhaps an addiction to alcohol, drugs or pornography and we look up and say God why did you let this happen? These things are not the work of God. We get small curiosities, no money so a quick scheme, find someone fun, or looking for relief in the wrong place. Many times if we planned better, asked for help sooner, even of God we would have the strength to avoid a small temptation. But once the temptation becomes a big part of us, it is so much harder to free ourselves. We must try. God can turn our sin into good, but first we must persevere through it, show we can overcome it.
The best way to avoid temptation is to avoid it when it is just a small desire. Work on a life of goodness, avoid standing too close to something that could harm. James says, “Desire brings forth sin, and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.” James 1:15
Can you recognize temptation? When you do recognize temptation do you have the means to avoid it?
The best way to avoid temptation is to avoid it when it is just a small desire. Work on a life of goodness, avoid standing too close to something that could harm. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion #sin#temptation #trial #james#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion#biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse#verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews#loveeachother #godisgreat #bocaraton#youversion #everythingalways