Just watch your desires

"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  14But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  15Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."   James 1:13-15.  NKJV

Here James discusses something that is common to us all - temptation. We are all susceptible in this area, and therefore, need to be aware of how we live each day. Temptation is all around us; we only have to turn the TV on and look at certain programs and movies, they all have the power to draw us in if we're not careful. Then of course there are magazines, the internet and that person who begins to flirt with us. It is so easy to become sucked into this desire and then pay the price of it all.

RT Kendall in his book The Sin No one Talks About (Jealousy) talks about The Three R's of Spiritual Warfare - Recognise, Refuse and Resist. The meaning of these are obvious but help us to remember them:  

                        

Recognise  We need to recognise where we are, what we are doing and what is around us. You know in your spirit when something or someone doesn't link in with your faith. This is the moment where a decision needs to be made:

Refuse. You must refuse to take part in something that may lead you astray and into sin. Therefore, going to a place where you know you will meet with someone or something that will stimulate your desires, is a no go. It would be like walking into a lion's den.

Resist. To avoid compromising you faith, is when you need to resist this temptation. It may mean walking out of somewhere to avoid this. It may mean switching off the TV. It may also mean not drinking too much alchohol. Whatever it means, you must be in control.

There are many things that one could add to the lists above but they all need the same response.                 (My paraphrase)

Temptation is a solicitation to do evil. We have all been in similar situations where we know that, we need to be cautious here. Satan is crafty; he knows what you are tempted by and he will place it before you at times when perhaps, you are tired or depressed and need some fun. The fun he offers may be desirable initially but, they are temporary and when you realise what you have done, they may have a disastrous affect on your life. Remember: "But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.15Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death."   James 1:13-15. 

Note the words 'by his (or her) own desires. You know yourself better than anyone else (except God of course). So you know what could trip you up, therefore, be careful, pray and ask God to help you in this area and just watch your desires!

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

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