James begins his letter with the statement, “Count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds.” Not if we meet them but rather when we meet them. He says that if we remain steadfast we will receive the crown of life.
In our text from yesterday, James points out that God is not the one who tempts us to sin. Instead of blaming our sin on the devil or on others, James holds up a mirror and says that it is our desire that leads us to sin.
We live in a time and culture where we often shift the blame for our failures and struggles onto someone or something else. Our parents, our jobs, the government, a past hurt or disappointment – anywhere but not taking responsibility for our actions. James reminds us that when we are deceived, it raises our desires (think Eve being deceived by the serpent and then desiring the fruit.) James goes on to say that our desires will lead us into disobedience (sin) and that our sin leads to death (think Romans 6:23 – the wages of sin is death.)
James doesn’t leave us there in the dip. He reminds us of God’s grace and that God is the giver of every good gift and every perfect gift. God desires for us to have life and have it abundantly.
What trial or pain has most marked your life thus far? How has that shaped your view of God and his goodness? How does the Word of Truth (Scripture) help us see clearly in the midst of trials and pain?