Not to Harm You…
Jul 12
By: Kelley Hinson
James 1:13-14
"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."
When we are in the middle of circumstances that place us right in the center of what I like to refer as our “crossroads moments” and our choices become the focus, it ultimately reflects our heart. It’s a mix of what we know about God’s heart with the vital component known as... personal responsibility. God’s word reminds us that while God may allow us to face challenges, He does not actively tempt us with evil. Instead, temptation comes from within us, from our own heart. There is a source (not God) and a choice that is involved with every temptation that comes. Learning to see clearly who or what the true source is, becomes part of the growth process. That is why it is so important to, “Above all else, guard your heart... (Proverbs 4:23), because everything we think, feel, do, and say, comes from there.
Temptation is an “in-your-face” part of the human experience. It is the attraction that draws us toward actions, thoughts, or behaviors that are not in line with God's will...that beautiful, sweet, juicy looking fruit that promises complete satisfaction (Genesis 3), but normally ends in chaos. James makes it clear that God is not the source of our temptation. God, being wholly good and pure, cannot be tempted by evil and does not entice His children to sin. This truth is necessary to bring to light because it challenges the false beliefs that God might bring about our downfall. “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).
Overcoming temptation is a continuous journey. This requires active participation. It is not something that just shows up when you give your life to Christ. That didn’t take away your sinful nature. It did however, give you the will to do something about it, “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). This is when the real work begins. It requires effort, prayer, and reliance on God's strength to see us through it. This effort builds strength, increases faith, and builds confidence and self-worth. It exercises our discernment skills. That helps us grow closer to Him and develops our ability to resist our sinful nature. You rely on God, not your ability. Temptation is brought front and center, not by God, but by the enemy’s attempts to separate you from Him. This is where Scripture, prayer, fellow believers that want you to succeed, and faith in God’s goodness comes in.
God has given us free will and it plays a leading role in the success or failure of temptation. We have the ability to choose, and it is through our choices that we either resist or give in. By leaning on God's teachings, we can protect ourselves against the enemies’ efforts and live a life that honors Him. It’s important to not only receive grace but give grace on your quest for “Jesusness”. Not only to others, but to yourself. Will you be 100% accurate and on the mark 100% of the time…no. Lord knows, I’m not, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). It’s one step, one battle, one victory, at a time. It’s taking it to Jesus for renewal and correction. Scripture arms you in the battle. God doesn’t want you to fail. He wants you to get closer, grow and mature in your relationship with Him. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
