Feeding Sin!

Feeding Sin!

Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death. James 1:13‭-‬15 ERV

It is a difficult thing to make a difference between trial and temptation. In some interpretations, you actually get the words used interchangeably. It would appear that indeed, bible interpreters view the words as meaning the same thing. The Greek view temptation as 'scrutinize, entice, examine, prove, tempt'. Do these not sound like how you would view trials too? Both are tests of inner character, and the consequences of either giving in or overcoming are eternal. Why, then, do I have to pay attention to these 2 things?

First, I have to check my heart and determine its focus. What are the things that hold my attention and time? What are the places and activities I really enjoy doing? These are the foundations of either my spiritual growth or decline. If all I care about is the latest fashion trend or clothes,  which are good in themselves, but at the expense of a thriving relationship with God, then I open myself up to distractions. If all I care about is how other people see me, I open myself up to compromise, pain and hurt in the nearest future.

If temptation is viewed as a bad thing, God does not tempt, as He is not the source of anything evil. However, man's fallen nature guarantees that his default mode is toward sin. It is easier for natural man to blend in than to stand out and it is the things the natural man desires that form the basis of his temptations. However, the same situation that could be interpreted as temptation to one man, could be the basis of a trial of faith to another man. It then matters what my ownership or allegiance is. If I have handed over my desires and emotions to God, he provides the grace and strength needed to overcome temptations. If I am the one in control, then I have no defence in the day of battle.

It really does not matter what the distinction is; the most important is my allegiance. If I am on God's side, my feelings and emotions are under his control and they answer to him. It is easy for such emotions to be properly channelled for good, so that what could have been my downfall becomes my testimony. If I do not surrender control to God, then when the battle comes, I have no defence or fall back option. The end of temptation, if I fall, is always death but the end of trial, if I stand by God's grace, is eternal life. As always, the choice is mine, while the consequences are always eternal. His time of favour is here.