Trials and Temptations
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed 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.
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
Words/Phrases that stuck out:
*** 5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. 6But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.: We often hear that is is ok (and even "good", in doses) to doubt. And in some ways, I don't disagree. But, the danger of letting doubt fester without any attempts to seek God in the doubt is where we are foolish. To me, these two verses are part of a "cycle" of sorts. Doubt? Seek wisdom. But, then don't doubt, because then you may not truly receive the wisdom you seek (and need). Once again, this passage reminds us that faith, hope, etc., MUST be more than just the "wishful thinking" it seems to be so often. It needs to be certainty. Expectation. TRUST.
*** 13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;: Oh, how often many of us "blame" God for our temptations, struggles, and sin in the name of, "Well, God is in control...right? Then it must be his fault, right?" This passage says emphatically, NO.
*** ...after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.; verse 15: The problem with sin isn't God. It is us. It is the desires we have. We want our way, not God's, when it comes to our true nature. And this verse shows a sort of "formula" for how desire leads to sin, and leads to death. Ultimately, physical, but also spiritual death. I know when I let me fleeting, selfish desires take over, almost always they end up in sin, and my soul dies a bit. Only God can regenerate my soul...and that is what I must let Him do!
Questions to ponder:
Do I seek wisdom? Or is it just "lip service"? If I receive wisdom, do I pay attention? Do I allow God to change my heart with this wisdom, or just go, "Oh, that's not what I expected/wanted/like"?
What is the source of my temptations? Do I blame God?
Do I really believe that desire/sin kills my soul?
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