“Yield Not To Temptation…!”

“Yield Not To Temptation…!”
The hymn writer captures the mind of James so well by stating, “all good gifts around us are sent from heaven above…” Yes, James writes, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
The Christian life is a pilgrimage and consists of many trials to test one’s faith. Such testing requires perseverance, and once you endure to the end you become mature and complete.
The song writer states, “have we trials and temptations…” When trials and temptations are lumped together we start seeing both as the same thing. James says No to that kind of warped thinking!
He writes, “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
But concerning temptation he states, “When tempted, no-one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone…” Far from it, temptation is caused by evil desire which drags and entices one. Desire “gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death”(1:12-18).
The song writer in recognition of this cautions, “Yield not to temptation, for yielding is sin…”
It is common to hear statements like, “It is the work of the devil,” and such kind of stuff! If it is the work of the devil, where is your own work?
Blame shifting is an escape of responsibility that keeps one comfortable in wrong doing! The blame game breeds unrepentance! It would have been easier for Adam if he had told God, “My Lord I am sorry, I did a wrong thing. Please forgive me.” He instead prefered to lay the blame on Eve, “The woman you put here with me – she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it”(Gen. 3:12). He had a choice! Eve did not force him!
Yes, there’s always a choice to say “Yes” or “No!” When it is wrong, there’s always a choice not to do it or to do it! And when it is right, there’s always a choice to do it or not to do it! Control your desires and you will choose wisely!
Prayer: Holy Spirit help me not to yield to temptation! Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!