Living on the Edge

“Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.  But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.  Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”  James 1:13-15

Desire leads to temptation; temptation leads to sin.

Desires bring us to the edge of a decision:  do we take what we want or do we wait for God to give us what we need?  In other words, do we satisfy ourselves or let our Heavenly Father do it?  We must remember 1 John 2:16, “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.”  The desires of the flesh and eyes are not from God but are from the world.  And this is on display 24/7.  It seems that our culture pushes us towards a hedonistic style of living.  I see it everywhere.   Indulge.  Satisfy yourself.  Take care of yourself because no one else will do it.  Sin blooms like crazy in this atmosphere.  We need to keep a watch on the desires of our hearts.  Those desires can subtly warp our Godly lifestyle.  And, it is all because of what we think we want—the promise of satisfaction!

Kenny

P.S.  I love how Scripture is so intricately woven.

Two men:  James and John.

One spirit:  the Holy Spirit.

1 John 2:16 tells us what God does NOT give us (fleshly desires).

James 1:16-17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes from God the Father.