Temptations
James 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.
3985. πειράζω peirazo, pi-rad’-zo
from «3984»; to test (objectively), i.e. endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline:–assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt(-er), try.
If you’ve ever owned or operated a toddler you’ll have a good understanding of this word that’s most often translated “tempted.” You know the look on their little cherub faces when they push right up to the edge of whatever boundary you, or the laws of physics, have set for them. (handy parenting tip from an old fart: that whole counting thing where you say “I’m gonna count to three and you’d better comply or . . .” encourages this testing of the boundaries 😉
As toddlers in the faith, we’re still drawn towards concupiscence and other moral failings. How close can we get without being trapped? Later on, James will tell us more about resisting the devil but for now, just to keep this simple, if I’m leaning towards that boundary, I’m leaning away from my God and Creator.
If you need me, you’ll find me sitting in a corner, sucking my thumb while meditating on how wrong I’ve done it in the past.
Father, I love You even though my weaknesses make it seem like I’m trying to put space between us. Draw me nearer to You!