13No one undergoing a trial should say, “I am being tempted by God,” since God is not tempted by evil, and He himself doesn’t tempt anyone. 14But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desire.a15Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
James 1:13-15 CSB
James is quick to state that when we are going through trials, God is not tempting us. There is only one who tempts us and that is Satan. God tests us by allowing us to undergo certain trials. These are for our own benefit because, as we overcome them, we grow a little more.
Temptation entices our inner, unsatisfied desires. The devil knows our weaknesses; he studies us and is familiar with our tendencies. He provides temptation, tailor-made that he knows will appeal to us and, when this happens if we are not careful, we are drawn away and enticed to satisfy our own evil desires. When this is conceived, it gives birth to sin and in turn, to death - spiritual death although it could lead to physical death. When we encounter spiritual death it can lead to separation and the breaking of fellowship with God and fellow believers.
We may always be prone to relate this passage to adultery. This may be so, but not always. Many married believers have committed adultery, been caught out and are now paying the price of separation from their marital partner, children and their home and friends. Is it really worth taking the risk?
Do you need to confess your adultery to your partner before the devil informs them himself? It could be very much worse if he reveals it. In the end it is always best to come clean instead of, further down the line having the lid taken off and your sin fully on show. But, obviously this is your choice.
This scripture also addresses other kinds of weaknesses that you may have, including an addiction or things you have hidden away for years, too ashamed to mention them. You may have a weakness to steal other people's property; you may also have a tendency to gossip, grabbing hold of the latest scandals or other things that people are doing or should not have done. Gossiping may rule your life. You may also have a weakness to spend money that you don't have by loading up your credit card to a colossal limit, and you may not be able to pay this off.
There are many other things that have not been mentioned that contribute to a weakness for satisfaction; a desire that you can never fulfil because it wants more. Perhaps it is time to speak to Jesus about this. You can be sure of His help.
Copyright 2022 Grahame Howard.
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