URC Daily Devotion Wednesday 23 October 2024

James 1: 12 – 16
Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  No one, when tempted, should say, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one’s own desire, being lured and enticed by it;  then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved.

Reflection
I must confess that I don’t feel particularly blessed when I’m faced with a second donut, looking all lonely in the bottom of the box! That, my friends, is a temptation I cannot resist. And then my guilt is felt as my Fitbit records a few more steps, by way of flagellation. I have not stood the test and will therefore not ‘receive the crown of life’. Damn you, tasty, jam-filled donut covered in sprinkles!
I am relieved to discover that this text is less about external temptations like donuts (pick your own!), and more about leaving behind the idea that God tempts or tests us.

We know that there are so many things that might seduce and overwhelm us: drugs, alcohol, sex, possessions, money, food, the dopamine hit – and on; and we know that things can escalate, literally leading to death, for some.
This might be your lived-experience or you may have watched loved-ones spiral out of control, unable to help.

Perhaps the greatest and worst temptation is to believe that God tests us with all kinds of struggles and calamity, so as to prove our faith. It is a lie. God tempts no one. We might, however, discover more of God’s love as we encounter and work through life’s inevitable joys and pains.

But by far the most devastating temptation anyone can present us with, is to believe that God doesn’t like us.

My friends, if or when we hear anything close to this, from others or from church – do not be deceived! This amounts to spiritual abuse, because it is the very opposite of God’s ways and purposes for us and can destroy the lives of those who come to believe it.

I am privileged to be working alongside many who have been led to believe, by the church or society, that they are unloved or unloveable – even by God.
I can share one thing:

‘Do not be deceived’, says God. ‘You are beloved’.

Prayer
Holy God,
may we not be deceived,
by world news,
personal struggles,
injustice or ‘othering’,
to in any way believe that you are testing us
or that your love is limited.

Holy Christ,
may we catch a glimpse today,
of something or someone,
who declares
‘you are beloved’.
 
Holy Spirit,
you dwell with us
in the fullness of love.
So be it. Amen