Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. (James 1:15)
Expanded Passage: James 1:13-15
During the beginning months of the Covid-19 pandemic, I found a new hobby. I had never been very good at keeping plants alive, but with my newly found free time, I realized I had quite a green thumb. My favorite plant was this tiny little succulent a friend had given me that just loved the sun, and best of all, it was constantly reproducing. So I began to share these small succulents with friends and neighbors. Little did I know that these little babies were unintentionally being planted all over my yard every time the wind blew. If I had paid more attention and done a little research early on, I would have known that the name of this plant was “mother of thousands,” and she lived up to her name. She never stopped producing, and soon my prized plant became a hindrance that I couldn’t stop. Isn’t that just like temptation? Something beautiful twists out of control when we aren’t looking.
Temptation is a unifying factor for believers, so we can be comforted that we are not alone in this trial. Even Jesus experienced temptation. He called it out, named it, and resisted it. Now it’s our job to recognize the only remedy to temptation comes in repentance and confession, and most of all, admitting our sin comes from our own doing.
Confess your temptation and don’t let it get out of control!
Holly Atkinson is a graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and Wesley Seminary (IN). She serves as an assistant principal at a private school in Florida and is married to Pastor Derek Atkinson. They have two girls.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
