“Yield Not To Temptation…!”

“Yield Not To Temptation…!”
Soon after the flood God decided, “Never again will I curse the ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood(Gen.8:21b).
We have an inate tendency to sin, so when we cannot resist the temptations that test our moral strength to resist sin, we should not say it is God who is tempting us. “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone, but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death”(Jam.1:13-15).
The fact that God does not tempt anyone does not mean as is commonly claimed that “it was the work of the devil!” If that were so then there is no need prosecuting anybody for any wrongdoing! All criminals would be innocent for it was the devil.
James says, the battle is in the mind.
This was well captured by the author of the song, “The sinner and the song.” The first lines go, “A sinner was wandering at eventide. His tempter was watching close by his side. In his heart raged a battle for right against wrong…”
Yes, the battle for right against wrong is raged in the heart. James says this battle is caused by desire and when the power of resistance is weakened, sin becomes the result, and sin leads to death.
These three stages were evident with Eve (Gen.3:6-22), and with David (II Sam.11:2-17). These moral temptations include gluttony, greed and the urge for sensual pleasures, invincibility, and wealth and fame. Jesus battled with all these but overcame them all(Mtt.4:1-11).
When God has provided you with all that makes for a good life, you shouldn’t forget him to follow other gods. God is a jealous God whose anger burns against those who forget him(Dt.6:10-17).
My friend, it is a simple call that we return to the Lord by not yielding to temptation. But since we have already sinned, let us come back with contrite and pernitent hearts and ask the Lord in his grace to forgive us.
His loving arms remains outstretched ready to embrace any lost and repentant child.
Sunday prayer: Holy Spirit help me to turn my eyes from looking at vanities so that I can overcome evil desires and not fall into sin. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!