Day 65: James 1:14

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.”



Remember last week when we were talking about temptation, and how you shouldn’t go around shaking your fist at the sky and blaming God? Well, here’s part two.


In today’s verse James explains how temptation is connected to none other than you know who. That’s right: you.


James says that temptation is a direct result of our own desires, and how we are lured and enticed by them into sinning against God.


So…what does this mean? What it means is that we can’t blame God because in the end we let ourselves be lured by our own evil, selfish desires. We can’t blame anyone but ourselves in the end, because we allow it to happen.


So how do you stop it? Well, that’s the hard part. You can’t. Not completely, and not this side of heaven. We won’t be perfect, but through God’s grace, we can sure slow temptation up. Here’s how.


Ask God to show you where your evil desires tempt you. He’ll do it. It might be painful to face, but He’ll do it.


After that, it’s a simple matter of staying away from those things that entice and tempt you to sin. Easy, right? No; easier said than done.


Pray for strength to stay away from those things that tempt you to sin. Flee from them. Don’t be surprised when you are tempted to drink when you’re standing around at a party with tons of alcohol. Don’t be surprised when you’re tempted to look at that porn site when it’s favorite on your browser.


Staying away from the things that tempt us is just smart. And as a Christian leader, you should know to stay away from the hot stove…because it will burn you.


Christian Leadership Principle: Temptation comes because we allow ourselves to be enticed by our own greed and evil desires. Stay away from those things that tempt you.


Here’s a set of verses to meditate on today: Proverbs 26:11


Prayer: Father, show me where I am week in character, and where I would be tempted to disobey you. Give me strength to flee from those things and situations. In Christ’s name, amen.