–James 1:12-18 – When we are baptized, it is as if bullseye were painted on us. The devil will attack us, for he knows that, in Baptism, we are washed clean of our sins, and are made the children of God. When temptation comes, therefore, as it surely will, we must remain steadfast in the faith we received at Baptism.
We do this by reading and hearing God’s Word, by daily remembering our Baptism, and by being regular in our church attendance, where we confess our sins and receive absolution and where we receive the Lord’s Supper for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening and nurturing of our faith.
Intelligence is not the same as wisdom. We each know of smart people that do not have a lick of common sense and make very bad choices that they will or have already regretted.
Muhammad Ali was on an airplane ready for take-off and the flight attendant asked him to put his seat belt on. He replied… ‘Superman don’t need a seat belt.’ She moved on thinking that he would get it strapped in a moment. She returned and asked him again to fasten his seatbelt and again he replied…‘superman don’t need no seatbelt.’ Out of frustration, she answers back briskly…’Superman don’t need an airplane. Get the seatbelt on or leave the plane.’
We might be tempted to think we think we are special.
We might think that we are invincible.
We might think we have all the answers.
We might think that we know best.
Have you ever done anything dumb or stupid? Of course, we all have. The LORD through James’ instruction is asking us if we lack wisdom, we should ask of Him when we face trials.
James exhorts, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”.
When faced with temptation turn to Christ who gives us the strength to overcome temptation and His mercy to acquit us when we stumble and fall. 1
Prayer in times of temptation: Almighty and everlasting God, through Your Son You have promised us forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. Govern our hearts by Your Holy Spirit that in our daily need, and especially in all time of temptation, we may seek Your help and, by a true and lively faith in Your Word, obtain all that You have promised; through Jesus Christ our Lord. 2
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