Temptation

"I can resist anything except temptation", said an old bumper sticker. For some people temptation comes in the form of chocolate. For others it is spending too much or "fiddling the books". Some people are tempted to gossip while others keep silent instead of speaking out. Temptation comes in many forms, but where does it come from? Television comedian Flip Wilson used to say, "The devil made me do it". Sometimes, God gets the blame for our temptations and sin. People argue that God is testing them, so it isn't their fault. But James has something else to say about the origin of temptation.
“Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and he doesn’t use evil to tempt others." (James 1:13)

Temptation doesn't begin with God it begins within. God is good and wants the best for us. He doesn't try and trip us up or cause us to do the wrong thing. Instead he wants to strengthen us to overcome evil and do the right thing. So, where does temptation come from?

James tells us that, "We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us." (James 1:14) Temptation comes from our own desires which are like planting a seed in the garden. As the seed grows it takes root, develops and finally bears fruit. In the same way, the desires we nurture in our minds eventually result in actions. If these desires are temptations to sin they will produce sin. In the end sin “leaves us dead".

But if all we try to do is avoid temptation our lives will be very negative. Instead, we need to fill our mind with positive thoughts and directions. So, James goes on to remind us, that God is the giver of "every good and perfect gift" (James 1:17). He also says that God never turns his back on us and is the one who puts light on our path.

We are often tempted to sin because we believe that God is "holding out on us". This is where sin began in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve believed the devil's lie that God was keeping something good back from them. As a result, they gave in to the temptation to distrust God. This led them to disobey God, be separated from God, kicked out of the garden and ultimately die.

The challenge is the same for us today. What thoughts about God and about life fill our minds? Are they ones that lead to truth and life or ones that lead to death? Who or what do you blame when you are tempted? How do you overcome temptation when it comes your way?