Who is to Blame?

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:1-4

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”  James 1:12-17

In all honesty we have to admit that temptation does play a role in each of our lives. Do you find yourself simply giving in because it is the path of least resistance? Does temptation overwhelm you? Are you discouraged by your lack of ability to resist temptation?

Allow these questions to prompt some specific thought in the days ahead. If you have failed to resist temptation and are now suffering the consequences of remorse and guilt, you are a prime candidate for an in-depth study of this all too familiar element of life - temptation.

To get to first base in our attempt to overcome temptation, we must address the question of blame. Who is to blame for our temptation? Who is to blame when we yield to temptation? Are we held accountable by God for our failures? If temptation were beatable (we rationalize), then God would have reason to hold us guilty. But since temptation is so strong, how can God expect us to win?

Well, the answers will surface as we begin to search the Scripture and God opens our hearts to hear His Word.

“But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.” James 1:14