JAMES 1-13
"Remember, when you are being tempted, do not say God is tempting me. God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else."
What are tempted by? Is it fame, fortune, something sexual? Bright lights and loud music get the attention of people and they tend to be interested in anything involving the opposite sex and the body beautiful. They want love and respect and faithful families and friends. What are you tempted to do to achieve this type of goal? Are you willing to do things which are sinful? Would you steal, lie, give false witness or commit adultery or murder? Lots of material things that this world has to offer are a TEMPTATION.
Who do you think is tempting you? Is it yourself? Is it the devil, who makes you do it? Is it God? The truth for today tells us to consider it an opportunity for great joy when temptation comes our way. Your faith and endurance and ability to grow in the Lord will be tested. When your endurance is fully developed you will be perfect, complete and need nothing else to remain faithful. God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. God promises us a crown of life afterward. There is one thing you must never do, however!
Do not say God ever tempted you. God is never tempted and He will never tempt others. Temptation comes from your own desires, which entice us and drag us under. These desires and temptations give birth to sinful acts. When sin is allowed to grow it brings death and separation. Whatever is good comes from God. Whenever someone is tempted to commit sin it of their own choosing and they alone are responsible. They alone will suffer the consequences of the actions and choices. You have no one to blame but yourself if you submit to TEMPTATION!
