Self enticement
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.
Vince Lombardi, among the greatest football coaches ever to walk the grid iron (almost as great as Tom Landry 😉 made famous the phrase “Gentlemen, this is a football.” This was his illustration of the need to pay attention to the basics.
James is good about focusing on basics. Vs 14 is one of those basics. Let’s break it down:
14 But each one: That means you and me. I can’t do much about you so that leaves ME.
is tempted; As mentioned yesterday, “tempt” = test. I test to see how far I can go towards darkness while still, technically, remaining in the light?
when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust: once I decide to go down that slide, momentum builds and the next thing you know, I’m sliding into the darkness.
This is one of the simplest, most predictable processes we can imagine yet it can destroy each of us.
Here’s another metaphor from Indian lore: We have two wolves fighting inside of us. The winner will be the one we choose to feed.
Father, I’m weak and easily distracted by the things of the world. Keep me alert to Your teaching and your love. Help me to focus on that which YOU want me to focus. I want to be useful in Your kingdom!