By“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.” — James 1:14 - 15 NKJV
God doesn’t tempt anyone with evil even though he allows us to go through some challenges for our learning and increase our dependency upon Him and His Word.
Many times, we attribute the source of temptation to the devil. But James 1:14 doesn’t say so. It says we are tempted when our own desires drive and entice us. Let me give you a practical example.
Two people can see a knife on a table. One will think it’ll help him to cook. Another will think it’s a tool to commit evil. It’s the same knife, but the thought in the second person’s mind converts the presence of a mere knife into a temptation tool.
From this scenario, it’s clear that the source of temptation is internal, not external. However, the evil thoughts formed in our minds to bring up temptations are from the devil. So, in essence, temptation is a mind thing, but the thoughts are from the devil.
The source of temptation is internal, not external.
But why do I say this? We have the Spirit of God in us as believers. So we have the mind of Christ in us, and that mind doesn’t think evil of others because God is love (1 John 4:8, 1 Corinthians 13:6).
We live in a wicked world (1 John 5:19 KJV). Persecution of Christians won’t cease (2 Timothy 3:12). So, as a believer, you have to train your mind to be conscious to obey what God’s Word says.
Possess a different mindset. What others say it’s impossible, say it’s possible with God. What others use to do evil, see good potential in it. Don’t allow anything to spoil in your hands.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
O righteous Father, thank you for teaching me in Your Word that the source of temptation is the evil desires the devil suggests in my mind. Continue providing sound doctrine in my life that’ll cleanse my thoughts of every evil deed that’ll entice me to disobey You in the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 251
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