May 2, 2025

DESIRE, ENTICEMENT, SIN

James 1:14-15

But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

Personal Challenge

To continue the discussion on temptation, James takes us through the progression that ensues, leading us to sin. It is important for us to always remember that temptation is not sin. To the contrary, temptation is often a test to help us confirm where we are in our relationship with God. Temptations come in so many different forms and at many different times throughout our day. It is up to us to choose to reject or ignore the temptation and therefore kill it at that point. If we choose to submit to the draw of the temptation and let our passions and desires be enticed, then we are starting on that path to sin. We can still pull ourselves back to a place of purity. When our passions and desires are conceived, sin has been given birth within us. As followers of Christ we are blessed by His love and forgiveness of the ensuing sins that we commit. Our challenge in life is to catch these temptations before they take root and remain true to our Lord. Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner!