James 1:12-18
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am tempted by God' for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death."
directing my thoughts
What are your biggest temptations? Can you see how they connect to your own desires? If I desire recognition, I will be tempted to do things that will lead others to focus on me rather than on God. If I desire to escape stress or worry, I will be tempted to do things that numb my mind to rational thinking. If I desire to feel loved, I may do things that cross moral boundaries to get that sensation (even if only momentarily). The irony is that these needs can truly and fully be met through relationship with Jesus, and through renewal that comes as a result of His truth being worked in our life. The catch, is we must be deliberate in how we position ourselves to face difficulties.
Where do actions originate? If we want our actions to be good, wholesome, pleasing to God, we need to begin by recognizing the battles are won and lost, first, in our hearts and minds. We must take all of our thoughts to Jesus. Nothing will shock or surprise Him. Nothing can separate you from His love. In our weakness He will meet us and provide His strength if we sincerely invite Him to do so.
If there is an area of your life where a particular temptation repeatedly presents itself, consider these tactics: 1) Avoid the “scene of the crime” 2) Use scripture to reinforce truth 3) Establish accountability with another sincere follower of Jesus. In I Corinthians Paul speaks truly when he says, “…let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” The question is, will I choose to be lured into the temptation, follow with sin, and experience the death that results? It may be the death of innocence, the death of humility, the death of some relationships, the death of purity, the death of hope, the death of joy, the death of freedom…--you get the idea! Or will I take the way of escape by finding shelter with Jesus in the Word of Truth? It is entirely my choice. The course will be set according to where I direct my thoughts.
Though circumstances and challenges change, the Lord does not. He is faithful, true, kind, good, merciful, forgiving and full of love for us!
Read and Pray: 2 Cor. 10:3-5, Rom. 8:38-39, John 17:17, Phil. 2:8
