The Wednesday Word 4.26.2023

 

James 1:12-14, 4:7-8 New Living Translation

12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

James 4:7-8

7 So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.

 

“The Devil made me do it!”  This resonant phrase was made famous by Geraldine, comedian Flip Wilson’s female alter ego (Google it, young’uns). Oh, if only we could lay the blame for all our bad choices at the feet of that Fallen One. Why are we hellbent on casting the responsibility for our own behavior anyplace rather than where it ultimately belongs? Sorry. It is on us.

 

The book of James is not an easy read. It is a lecture, a diatribe, against sin and hypocrisy. Even so, it is infused with the message of God’s grace and love. Every day is a test, but we are the ones who put ourselves in the hot seat. The choice between right and wrong, obedience or defiance, has been ours since the Garden of Eden and is given to us freely. James points out that it is yielding to our own self-driven desires that leads us to bad choices. We don’t like to be reminded of our weaknesses. The fact is that we really need to be reminded and reminded often. God wants us to learn a better way than to spend our days enslaved to our weaknesses. His scriptures can give us the inspiration and The Holy Spirit is there to help us…something to pray about.

 

Don’t forget to look for the Lord today. Vicki H. 

                                                                                                photo by Gryffyn M

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