ENDURING & REMAINING FAITHFUL

James 1:12-15

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God;” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. …

Temptation comes from evil desires inside us, not from God. It begins with a sinful thought and then becomes a sinful action when we dwell on the thought and allow it to affect our behavior. Like a snowball growing as it rolls downhill, sin grows more destructive the more we let it have its way. The sooner you stop a tempting thought or desire, the easier you can control it, before it takes control of you. (For more about escaping temptation, see Matthew 4:1-11; 1 Corinthians 10:13; and 2 Timothy 2:22.) In the same way the victory wreath was given to winning athletes, God blesses those who patiently endure adversity for His sake with the crown of life (see 1 Corinthians 9:25). God’s crown of life means living with Him forever, not getting glory and honor on earth. To be in God’s winner’s circle, keep on running toward Him. As you do, you will grow in your relationship with Him and stay faithful even under pressure.