READ:
James 1:12-21
Blessed is the man who endures
temptation: -James 1:12
It wasn't the first time it happened in sports, and it certainly won't be the last. But perhaps mentioning it again can help keep us from making a similar shameful error.
A college coach-one noted for his Christian character-resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that he had violated rules clearly spelled out by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. One magazine article concluded: "His integrity was one of the great myths of college football."
This was certainly an embarrassing time for the coach, but here's the most sobering part: It can happen to any of us. The temptation to go behind the hidden door of secrecy in our lives and do things that dishonor the Lord haunts us all. Indeed, we are all capable of turning our own integrity into a myth-of turning our testimony for Jesus into a sham. No matter what the temptation, we are all vulnerable.
So, how do we avoid giving in? We acknowledge the universality of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We recognize the dangerous results of giving in to sin (James 1:13-15). We keep accountable to fellow believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And we plead with God for help not to fall (Matthew 26:41). Only God's grace and power can keep us from falling and pick us up when we do. -Dave Branon
The devil is clever, deceiving us all,
He cunningly causes the strongest to fall;
But we his sly methods are sure to discern
By making God's warnings our daily concern. -D. De Haan
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Each sin has its door of entrance;
let's keep that door closed.
INSIGHT
James speaks about the challenges we face as children of God. After reminding his readers of the internal issues faced because of temptations born out of our brokenness (vv.13-15), he also warns us of how, in our brokenness, it is easy to react improperly to those around us (vv. 19-21). His challenge to be "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" v.19) is practical daily advice for believers of any time.
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace
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