Read James 1:12-18
In this passage, James makes a clear distinction between tests of our faith and temptations. This first is from God and is for our benefit. The second is not from God and will lead to our destruction. From 1 Peter 5:8-10, we know that we have a real adversary whose goal is to devour us like a lion does its prey. I believe "Resist him, firm in your faith" is key when it comes to putting a plan to avoid being devoured into action. And truth is, you better have a plan.
"each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire."
When I think about dealing with temptation, my mind always goes straight to diets. I have always struggled with maintaining a weight that I am happy and comfortable with. The problem (until recently) has not been exercise. I love to work out and I am usually pretty active.
The problem has been the lack of consistent healthy eating habits. That problem is only magnified by being a Youth Pastor. It has been way to easy to ruin two days of eating healthy with a busy Wednesday full of fast food stops and ice cream after church. After which, I find it way to easy to give up on eating healthy this week and convince myself to start over on Monday.
Of course, when I do manage to establish a healthy routine, it seems that every house I visit has just made a batch of double fudge brown, and of course they only made them for a special occasion, and of course they are just about to celebrate that special occasion, and of course they would like me to stay for that celebration, and of course they smell really good, and of course they try to convince me it is okay to cheat on my diet just this one time, and of course it would be rude of me not have one!! But of course, none of that run on logic is really what I am battling. My battle must first begin with the fact that I really want a double fudge brownie. My mind set must be to resist them, stand firm in my diet for the greater benefits of successfully reaching the goals of my diet.
The same is true in our spiritual life. We must realize the danger of cheating on our faith just this one time, and the slippery slope that we begin to head down the moment we do that. Our battle with temptation must first begin with the desires to sin that come from within.
Our adversary is very clever and opportunistic, but our God is all knowing and has predestined us to be conformed to the image of His Son. Our tempter desires to devour and destroy us, but our Savior desires to restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.
Wage war with your desires, and draw near to God by realizing that He rewards those who seek him.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
Count it all joy?
Read James 1:1-8
I have always found it interesting that James chooses to start off his letter with such a depressing topic. I mean, he barely introduces himself before diving straight into "trials" and "testing of your faith". There is no warming up the audience, no easing into the subject. But rather, there is a very direct, "this is life", start to his letter.
Truth is, James is right. Trials and faith testing events are exactly what make up this life. There is no way to hide from them, and therefore no reason to dance around the subject. So I think it is very fitting that James starts things off cold, harsh, and real.
"testing of your faith produces steadfastness" - We have the tendency to look at tests as a bad thing. I know in high school and college, tests were often very stressful events. I can remember spending many sleep deprived nights trying to make sure I knew everything about everything I thought might be on the test. Seven years after graduating college, I still have nightmares about arriving at a classroom for a test that I didn't know I had that will prevent me from getting my degree.
But the truth is, tests are given for our benefit. In school, a test is given after a set of curriculum has been taught in order to gauge how well the curriculum has been learned. From that, proper decisions can be made about whether more review is needed or if the next set of curriculum can be explored.
With chains and ropes, manufactures will test every item produced to twice its listed strength. This is done for both the safety and the confidence of the customer. If you buy a chain that claims to be able to hold 500lbs, it has already been tested by its maker for any weak links and proven to be strong.
Athletes and weightlifters will test their strength periodically during their training. This is done by pushing their body to its absolute maximum effort and capabilities. Once they know their absolute max, then they know what changes need to be made to their training regimens. These changes will allow the athlete to continue to grow and improve.
Life's tests and trials allow us to know where we stand, how strong our faith is, and what changes need to be made so that we can grow and improve. And the most encouraging thing about this whole text is the fact that we are provided with the ultimate cheat code. We have a father in heaven with all wisdom and knowledge who is ready and willing to walk us through each test. He is waiting for us to seek His wisdom, and ready to "give it generously" today.
I have always found it interesting that James chooses to start off his letter with such a depressing topic. I mean, he barely introduces himself before diving straight into "trials" and "testing of your faith". There is no warming up the audience, no easing into the subject. But rather, there is a very direct, "this is life", start to his letter.
Truth is, James is right. Trials and faith testing events are exactly what make up this life. There is no way to hide from them, and therefore no reason to dance around the subject. So I think it is very fitting that James starts things off cold, harsh, and real.
"testing of your faith produces steadfastness" - We have the tendency to look at tests as a bad thing. I know in high school and college, tests were often very stressful events. I can remember spending many sleep deprived nights trying to make sure I knew everything about everything I thought might be on the test. Seven years after graduating college, I still have nightmares about arriving at a classroom for a test that I didn't know I had that will prevent me from getting my degree.
But the truth is, tests are given for our benefit. In school, a test is given after a set of curriculum has been taught in order to gauge how well the curriculum has been learned. From that, proper decisions can be made about whether more review is needed or if the next set of curriculum can be explored.
With chains and ropes, manufactures will test every item produced to twice its listed strength. This is done for both the safety and the confidence of the customer. If you buy a chain that claims to be able to hold 500lbs, it has already been tested by its maker for any weak links and proven to be strong.
Athletes and weightlifters will test their strength periodically during their training. This is done by pushing their body to its absolute maximum effort and capabilities. Once they know their absolute max, then they know what changes need to be made to their training regimens. These changes will allow the athlete to continue to grow and improve.
Life's tests and trials allow us to know where we stand, how strong our faith is, and what changes need to be made so that we can grow and improve. And the most encouraging thing about this whole text is the fact that we are provided with the ultimate cheat code. We have a father in heaven with all wisdom and knowledge who is ready and willing to walk us through each test. He is waiting for us to seek His wisdom, and ready to "give it generously" today.
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