What Is The Closest Source of Temptation?

“The devil made me do it,” was a phrase coined by comedian/actor Flip Wilson. It was the way he excused some of the questionable actions of Geraldine, one of his characters.

Some people blame the devil for temptations, while others blame God. But James 1:13 says God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.

But temptations are real, so let’s consider them. For example, when people hear about “acts of the flesh,” what comes to mind is sexual immorality, impurity, drunkenness, or orgies.

While that’s true, there are a variety of other temptations. Look at Galatians 5:19-21. Paul listed only two spiritual temptations: idolatry and sorcery.

But he also lists temptations we rarely consider. They come from our soul, the seat of our emotions.

For example, have you ever been tempted to hate someone, sow discord, act out in jealousy, or rage? We can be tempted to envy. And what about causing rivalries or divisions, or joining in factions where groups refuse to make peace?

We need to be alert to temptation because it begins as a tiny seed thought or desire. The problem comes when we entertain it long enough that we decide to act on it. James explains it this way (James 1:14-15):

 We are tempted/enticed by our own evil desires.

When we allow them to turn into actions, it gives birth to sin.

Sin, when fully developed, gives way to death.

Galatians 5:16-26 speaks clearly about not gratifying the desires of the flesh, but choosing to walk in the Spirit to please God.

The closest source of temptation is within you. But you are not hopeless or helpless. Whether it’s physical, spiritual, or emotional, you can ask God to cleanse your heart.  

David prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10).

Become a doer of His Word and not just a hearer (James 1::22).  

Pixabay: Thinking, Thought, Pondering; johnbloor.