DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!

SCRIPTURE

James 1:9-16 (NRSV)

Blessed are those who endure temptation

Let the believer who is lowly boast in being raised up, and the rich in being brought low, because the rich will disappear like a flower in the field. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the field; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. It is the same way with the rich; in the midst of a busy life, they will wither away.

Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved.

DEVOTION

Today, there is none amongst us who does not need to heed this good news word of wisdom from James.

For the Bible says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and there is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3)!”

Many of us attempt to excuse our sin by saying, “God is tempting me…” or “The devil made me do it.”

Today’s scripture makes it clear that neither of those excuses holds any water. Instead, we sin because we want to sin, it feels good, and/or it garners us benefits that we covet.

I love James’ “real talk” when he says, “But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved. “

What this means is that sin first starts in our imagination and in our thoughts, then is manifested in our actions, which, if left unconfessed, leads to our spiritual death.

My Lord, have mercy!

Today, let us examine ourselves closely. What sin have we been conceiving in our thoughts and in our imaginations? What grievous actions have we been trying to figure out how to accomplish without others knowing? What immoral thought have we allowed to take root in our minds?

Once we have examined ourselves and found the sinful thought or imagination lurking, we need to cast down every imagination contrary to the wisdom of God and take captive every thought as we obey Christ in all things! (2 Cor 10:5)

Let us repent for even thinking of breaking God’s Commandment to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Look, all human beings contemplate sin from time to time. This is part of the human condition. But, let us be vigilant as we seek to destroy the seed of sinful action germinating in our lives, by submitting our every thought and imagination to the Lordship and Salvation of Jesus Christ!

After all, God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life! Aren't you grateful for the unconditional love and amazing grace of God?!

Since we have such good news to think about and share why would we waste another minute contemplating evil?

Will you submit your thoughts and imaginations to the Will of God today? If so, please pray with me:

Holy One, I confess that I have sinned in word, thought, or deed against You. I am so very sorry. Please forgive me of my sin and fill me with the Holy Spirit. Please keep my heart and mind steadfastly fixed on You. I love you and I want to share our love with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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