Journal Devotional: Reflection on James 1:13-15

The heart of temptation is desire. Our desires can be triggered in many ways. Ways we must not tread on unless those desires are for God and His purposes. A bad desire is comparable to a beehive. When you disturb a beehive, you will face trouble from the bees that are stored there. When desire is enticed, you open the gateway for that desire to manifest. 

We all have desires even God Himself desires that all men should be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Desire is a tool that can draw us towards life or death. It is also an indicator of what is within the heart. All of this points to an important conclusion: The heart of man can only operate best when it is in full submission to God and guarded by His word. For a heart that is transformed by God will produce desires for good.

13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.- James 1:13-15 (ESV)

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2016. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.