Whaddya want? Everybody wants something…or do they? A want is something for which we are desirous but do not possess. A want can also be termed a “lust” if it is a want something headed out of control. James tells us in James 1:14, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust (desires), and enticed (instigated to evil—eros: affection that seeks to control).”
From this verse, we discover that Satan’s standard operational procedure for initiating temptation into our lives is to, first, deceptively draw us away from the Spirit-filled, abundant Christian life. How does he do this? He uses our own lusts, or desires. What else would be so effective other than our own deep-rooted desires that we ourselves have molded into our personal weaknesses over the course of our lives—our very own designer desires?
Nothing! And, unfortunately, the enemy knows this! Satan then uses intuitively placed stimuli, or outside influences, to entice our desires. To entice means to instigate to evil. Evil is the Bible word for an eros behavior. Eros is a form of false love that seeks to acquire, possess, or control the person to whom it is showered. So what is this saying, then? Well, the enemy has studied each of us to know what our weak links are, and then places us into circumstances that will make those weaknesses manifest themselves in the hope of spoiling our testimonies through personal gain or otherwise furthering his wicked agenda.
But, glory to God, the devastation of temptation can be avoided, my friend. Looking back at the verse above from James, we see that up to this point we have only been enticed, or “instigated to evil.” At this juncture, sin has not yet occurred. This all-important pivotal moment is what I call the “meditation of temptation.” But, allow us to look into His Revelation to learn how we can endure the temptation in our meditation and avoid the instigation.
James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
The word count here means to consider. Consider it all joy when you fall into divers–– the same meaning as Peter’s word manifold––or various temptations. It doesn’t matter how many or how often, we are tempted, we are to consider it a joy.
Now what exactly is a temptation? Is it something sinful that you want? Nope. A temptation is a desire to have or do something that you seek to consume upon your lusts. God doesn’t give you things for that reason, only the enemy does, these imperfect gifts do not come from above nor are encouraged by the Dove! Peter also taught, as James says, that if you would just count it joy to resist that temptation, you will receive patience. And that patience will have its perfect work, and you will be made entire or whole. Don’t try to get it, try to forget it!
When we are able to face temptation with an attitude of joy, we will have the main ingredient to remain obedient. It is a “perfect” or a spiritually mature person who can endure a temptation. This person does not “want” for anything, for they realize that Christ is sufficient, and His will is perfect. Are you pining and whining or resigning and refining?
Do not allow yourself to pine over a deficiency, but rather refine proficiency by considering His Divine sufficiency. You can then yield to dependency and resign that tasteless tendency!
Have a wonderful day IN the Lord!
Steven Curington
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