Day One
What is your greatest temptation?
Is there something you are trying to resist, over and over and it continues to haunt you?
Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death. Do not be deceived, my beloved. - James 1:12-16
In today's reading, James encourages us to endure temptation. That's a bit different from resisting it.
To endure something is to put up with the pain and suffering of it, to let it mold and shape us into someone stronger, someone who can bear the burden of it, like carrying a heavy weight.
He tells us that God does not tempt us, but instead gives us the strength to endure the temptations of life, big and small.
It can be very reassuring for those of us who suffer from one form of addiction or another, to know that we can manage to bear the pain of it and stay the course.
I was listening to K-Love while driving home from church yesterday and a song came on that reminded me that each day can be a brand new start. The song is "Day One" by Matthew West and while it doesn't directly mention temptation, it does tell us that we can look ahead and not focus on the past. That's an important message for anyone needing to get ahold on life and begin the process of change.
Beginning each day with a positive message is so critical to success in life, whether we measure success financially or by some other yardstick.
We don't need to be who we know we were, or who we used to be.
We can endure the temptations to go back and we can move on.
Well, every single day Your grace reminds meThat my best days are not behind meWherever my yesterday may find meWell, I don't have to stay there
So, why not give it a shot?
Today is Day One.
Let's all blast out and be what God intended us to be.
More to come...