Devotional - October 12, 2022

Scripture: James 1: 13-15 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.

In the movie, Cramer vs Cramer, one may remember Dustin Hoffman's scene with his son. His son was carrying a tub of ice-cream to the table while Hoffman tells him, "don't you eat that." Not being familiar with the issues of parenting, the now separated Hoffman was being confronted with a belligerent child. The scene plays out with an ongoing barrage of "don'ts" by Hoffman while his son, who never loses eye contact with him, scoops out a big spoonful of ice cream and tries to eat it. I think of things like that when I read the text for today. God gives us directives and we decide what we are going to do with them. Yet, the issues of life are not as simple as a scoop of ice cream, not even close. As James seeks to instruct the early church, one thing he confronts is their understanding of God. Today, many would say, they know everything about God. The only question being, whether or not to accept it? I know my situation has a lot to do with my understanding and relationship with God. I hate to admit it, but it does. Had Hurricane Ian plowed through my area with the force it did down south, it would have made for a difficult situation. I would like to think my faith and relationship with God would have seen me through. Yet, difficult times are trying times that test us. When they come, we have a tendency to grip down or fold, or a little of both. At some point, we are likely to ask God, why are you letting this happen to me? Are you testing me like you tested Job? If so, stop! James was addressing a persecuted church. They were trying to maintain their faith amidst social and political strife caused, in part, by the religious group they used to endorse. How could following God be like this? Even in the Lord's Prayer, we pray, do not lead us into temptation (Matt 6:13, Luke 11:4). Would God lead us into temptation, or the test, if we did not pray this prayer? We may not go this far with our questions, but dare I say, there are times when it is tempting. Our situations in life can leave us praying earnestly to God while questioning if God hears or cares. And during such times, we are tempted to question God's identity. James clarifies for his readers God's presence in their lives. In the next verse, James will clarify his point even more, but here, through dialog, James makes it clear. God is not and cannot be tempted by evil. And in so being, God will not lead anyone in that direction. On the other hand, the potential to be evil is very real for the believer. James uses a birthing narrative to make his point. Jesus uses weeds (Matt 13:1-43). Sin comes forth as a part of a process that, if allowed to progress, can separate us from God which is analogous to death. Does the person actually die physically, not always, but they are separated from the giver of life, God. We, as Christians, believe that separation from God is spiritual death. People may be alive in the flesh, but not in the spirit. It is best not to spend your time trying to figure out who is and who is not alive in Christ. Moreover, we are not asked to (Matt 7:1, Philippians 2:12). Instead, let your life be your testimony (Matt 5: 14-16). But, even more encouraging is James' teaching that sin, in and of itself, is not fatal. Sin gives birth to death, but is not death in and of itself. We serve a God who will give us plenty of opportunities to avoid the outcome of sin, if that is what we seek (1 Cor 10:13, Romans 6: 1-11). As profound as today's text is, and it is profound. James gives an excellent description of the nature of temptation, both spiritually and psychologically. I am most moved by the first word, "when." He doesn't say "if" or give any other qualifying conditions, he says, "when tempted." There is no age limit, socio-economic condition, or psychological or spiritual situation that qualifies or disqualifies a person from being tempted. Jesus teaches that our thoughts are the origin or our action which lead to evil or good (Matt 5:28, 13: 31-35). Many of us may have thought there would come a time in our life when we would not be bothered anymore by temptation. We were wrong. Even Paul discusses his ongoing struggles with temptation (Romans 7: 15-25). His conclusion is not one of despair, but instead hope and faith in Christ. I've had plenty of people ask me if they were saved. My answer is, that is between you and God, but the fact that it concerns you gives me a lot of hope (John 16: 7-10). James calls his reader, then and now, not to let their situation tempt them to become evil, especially during times of difficulty. God's goodness will never change. Let the faithfulness of God inspire your resolve to remain good; do not dissolve down into sin and what God calls death (Gen 2:17).

Pray with me..., Holy God, we confess we are tempted in so many ways. Help us to not lose sight of Your goodness and wisdom amidst all that is going on. Quicken our minds during times of difficulty to stay faithful in light of Your faithfulness. Be with our loved ones, bless them according to their needs. Be with our church, guide us and bless us as well, so we may be the people you call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.

God's peace,

Pastor Brian