"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:12-15
Temptation comes from evil desires within us, not from God. It begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and allow it to become an action. Like a snowball rolling downhill, sin's destruction grows the more we let sin have it's way. The best time to stop the snowball is at the top of the hill, before it is too big or moving too fast to control.
One way to keep sin from snowballing is to take note of the verses further on in this chapter – particular favourites of mine:
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…" James 1:19
My favourite translation, the Living Bible, says " Don't ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little and not become angry." I am often quiet, choosing to listen to others rather than join in a conversation, and whilst this is not really what this passage is meaning, it does give me chance to consider my words before I speak, and also to resist the temptation to just join in the sometimes unhelpful or derogatory conversations that can start up amongst a group. If I am uncomfortable about the words or discussions I am hearing, it allows me to pray quietly and bless the conversations and those who are being spoken of. It's not always easy to take note of the last part of the verse regarding anger though, and I often find myself angered or frustrated when others are hurt by the words or actions of those around them.
Today, why not challenge yourself to do as the verse says – listen more and speak less, and as you do so, invite God into the situations around you that need His touch. You can stop the snowball firmly in its tracks.
Corinne Mason
Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 127:1-5, Ezekiel 32:1-33:20, James 1:1-27
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