James 1:12 - "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him"
From the supermarket check-out line to every single commercial on TV (including drain cleaner!), we are truly bombarded with the ideal image of human beauty and sexual inuendo, creating longings and unhealthy fantasies. We drive around our towns passing restaurant after restaurant with very tasty food with very real unhealthy consequences.
Ultimately, with age and wisdom, we begin to realize that these temptations don't even satisfy, even when we do give in. In fact, do you tend to feel better after giving in to a temptation? When you eat 2 pieces of chocolate cake, how do you feel about yourself? When you give in to your sexual fantasies, how do you feel about yourself... your partner? For me, the answer is always much worse.
This is where this verse from James becomes powerfully transforming in our lives. Specifically, this verse can be recalled in the moment of temptation to remind us that real blessings come when you resist temptation. Try it! in the moment of temptation, recite this verse instead to get beyond that moment. I guarantee you will feel enormously better about yourself - you will be experiencing the blessings from our God and over time, the crown of life He promises.
Share your own transforming experience in victory over temptation below!
