Temptation is a Lie

Temptation is a Lie

JAMES 1

Thank you for joining us! Today we begin the book of James. This book is attributed to the Lord's brother. He was well known and later became the leader of the church in Jerusalem. This book is often referred to as the New Testament's book of Proverbs. The main purpose of this writing is to address Christian living. Let's jump in, shall we?

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“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 NIV

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What is temptation? I read once that temptation is a lie to rebuke. Temptation is an invitation to abandon the plan God has for you. The plans for your marriage, your career, your relationships, your finances, your health, and every other area of your life.

James is warning us of the consequence of giving into our desires- which is falling into sin.

Temptation begins with our natural human desires. However, when we say yes to desires

outside of God’s will and do what we want rather than trusting and obeying God, it leads to

disobedience. Sin eventually leads to death of some kind (physical death, emotional death,

relational death, etc.).

It is important to understand that God is not responsible for our temptation. God is good and there is nothing in His nature that would be drawn to evil. He would never tempt us because He wants only what is good for us.

If temptation cannot come from God, then where does it come from? My first thought was

Satan. It’s true, Satan loves to tempt us (via our flesh) because he is the one who wants us to

fail. We are dragged down and away from God by our own desires toward sin and temptation.

Satan has a part in all of this, yes. But ultimately it is us who chooses our desires over God’s

love. Que the popular song…”Hi, it’s me. I’m the problem, it’s me.”

Why do we blame God? I don’t know about you but in my life, temptation usually comes in the context of trouble. I’m anxious, feeling insecure, misunderstood, alone and so on. I find myself looking for an easy fix or something that will make me feel better now. Some of the most difficult temptations come at the most difficult times of life when there isn’t an easy or immediate fix.

One of my lifelong struggles has been with weight and body image. I have battled hormone

issues all my life and find myself always on the losing side. I went to the mall last week to try on jeans (GAH- the worst). I tried on no less than 20 pairs. None of them fit. I felt defeated, ugly, and like a loser. At that moment, I was tempted to go home and drown my sorrows in by eating half a container of cookies. Or go spend a bunch of money on shoes/jewelry because it would make me feel better. Afterall, God gave me this messed up body, so it’s sort of his fault, right?

The temptation here was that ice cream or retail therapy would fill make me feel worthy and full. However, that temptation is a lie. Sure, both of those things may offer me temporary relief from the pain I was feeling in the moment. If we are not careful during these times and remember to look to God for comfort, we can be tempted to look elsewhere. We are tempted to do our own thing, no trust Him and move apart from God’s plan for us. It’s easier to blame someone else than to look at myself and realize I’m the problem. The next day, I got up in the morning, got dressed in clothes I already had and praised God for the imperfectly perfect body I have!

Prayer: Lord, I rebuke the lies that temptation wants me to believe! You want good for me. You are a good God who has a plan and a purpose for my life. Nothing on this earth could ever provide me with the comfort found in your love. Thank you for your undeserving and unwavering love even when my flesh and human flaws get in the way. Your love is enough. You are all I need. Amen.