James 1:14, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

One of the most common and easiest things to do as a normal human being is to JUDGE someone else’s action or inaction. And funny enough, most times, we are even often just as guilty or probably more guilty than the person we sit as a judge over his or her matter. No wonder Jesus said in John 8:7, “…He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” This is the focus of today’s nugget.

Beloved, imagine when God wanted to convict, rebuke and punish King David for his sin with Bathsheba. Do you think King David would have declared the same judgement if he had known he was the accused? This is why, before you judge anyone, remember, like every human being, you also have SINFUL desires which are the most important ingredient for enticement and temptations. And this is the main wisdom and meat in today’s scripture.

The story of the young prophet from Judah who God sent to Bethel and instructed him neither to eat there or return through same route best demonstrates our dilemma as humans. Please, know this, you will only be tempted along and in-line with your DESIRES, wants or cravings. Why? Because, the devil is on a serious mission to bring you down into sin and hell along with himself and he isn’t stupid.

Dear friend, just imagine how he LURED this genuine Prophet into disobedience and death. The devil won’t waste his precious second to entice or tempt you with what you don’t like, love, desire, want or CRAVE. So, your best strategy or escape from sin and for a perpetual overcoming and victorious Christian life and living, is to be BRUTALLY truthful and honest with at least yourself, about your ENDURING desires or cravings.

Dear child of God, and as seen in the story of the young prophet, it doesn’t matter whether your desire or craving is legit, correct, appropriate or even inappropriate. As long as it’s your desire and craving, then, it’s a BAIT in the hands of the devil. In reality, no genuine or serious believer wants to deliberately fall for temptations and into sin. However, not understanding the process of temptation and sin is what keeps us off guard and gives the devil unfettered access.

The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that, “no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” Did you pay attention to what you just read? That’s a very fearful and dreadful balance right there in your Bible. God will NEVER allow the devil to tempt you above your THRESHOLD or capacity to say “no.”

However, the devil isn’t a learner. So, he too would also never tempt you with an offer or something you don’t NATURALLY desire, appreciate, NURSE a liking, longing, craving or desire for. So, this means, every temptation is NEUTRAL or harmless and you can ALWAYS either say a “yes” or “no” to any satanic proposal and proposition. Therefore, falling into sin is totally your fault, because of the weakness which your desires or CRAVINGS brings. And also, not falling too is your glory because, that means, as a believer, you have grown, developed and matured in your SELF CONTROL which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Selah!

Further Reading
~ Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

Prayer
~ Dear Lord, thank you for the fruit of self control which guarantees that I can always say no to every temptation and enticement of the devil to sin
~ Dear Lord, I receive grace to always master and control my desires and cravings so they won’t lead to my disobedience and downfall