“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 1:14-15
Just before this verse James stops the idea that God tempts people by showing He cannot do evil or tempt anyone. Often you will hear someone say “the devil made me do it”. This also is false. The devil has no power over you that you do not allow him to have. You alone are in complete control of yourself. How you act is completely up to you alone. The major problem is that often a person allows the pressure of others around him to guide his actions and thoughts.
James tells us, however, that a person is tempted by his own evil desires. Man has a sinful nature that he has inherited all the way from Adam. Man is selfish and through that selfishness becomes evil.
An individual will first have a desire for something. This could be material or mental of any type. As he thinks about it, this is where the evil desire is conceived–in his mind. Once he begins thinking about it, often, he acts upon that desire. This is where it has given birth to sin. This action may be just in the mind. Remember, Jesus said that to even to think about another woman in a lustful way is the same as committing adultery. Your mind will get you into a lot of trouble with God. Ultimately sin will bring about death. This death is found in the separation of you and God for all of eternity.
Today you may want to blame others or the circumstances you are in for the sins you have committed, but, remember, you are the one in control of all your thoughts and actions. No person or demon can make you do something you do not want to do. If you have your mind-set on following God in all of His ways, nothing can cause you to sin. You need to be filled with God’s Word and His Spirit to overcome all temptation. Where is your mind at? What are you thinking about? Are you giving birth to sin? Or are you giving birth to life?
I pray that today God will help you stay focused on Him and His Word; that God will renew your mind daily; that God will help you learn to turn from all evil thoughts; and that your thoughts and actions will bring glory to God.
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