Thoughts on James 1:12-15

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  ¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 

After church this morning I went to play golf at Barbers' Point Golf Course. I have come to the conclusion that golf is the only sport that when playing you will face a trial at some point during the round. On the par 5 hole 15, I had hit a two hundred and sixty yard drive just behind a tree on right side of the fairway. This is straightest hole on the course.

This was biggest of all the trials I would face today on the golf course. I was about two hundred and thirty yards out. The only shot I had was to work the ball left to right. I used my new  Taylormade, R11 3 wood which was a gift from the greatest wife in the world. I have not really hit this new club well off the ground, but today I placed the ball 10 yards off the green. I was tempted to hit my driving iron, because I was not used to hitting this club yet. I was able to chip onto the green about 8 feet away from the pin. I made the  putt for a birdie.  The birdie was a crowning shot and helped me finish out the round strong.

James speaks about the crown of life that we receive when we persevere through the trials that come our way. This verse is the bridge between verses 9-11 and 13-15. We also note three themes trial, testing, perseverance.  I would title chapter one " Directions for Persevering Though Trials". You see the double minded man falls to the evil desires of his heart.  While the Christian seeks to face the trials, temptations, through the perseverance given to us through the atonement of Christ on the cross. 

When we seek the desires of are heart we give birth to sin and later death. Here we are told that God is never the person tempting the believer. For God cannot be tempted and does not tempt His children. Therefore, if we are truly a follower of Christ, then we must understand that He is in us, and we are in Him. The promise of the crown of life can guide our desires to not give birth to sin.

You see, just like the golf shot I made today on the course, I pictured the shot in my head step up and executed it. The guys I was playing with praised me for how the shot came off. The prize for me was making the birdie. The prize for not succumbing to temptations is the crown of life and the words of our Father saying to us "Well done thy good and faithful servant." The picture of the cross, burial, resurrection of our Lord provides to us a glimpse of His sacrifice to offer a crown of life.

Pray with me: O Lord, as I walk the trails of life keep me on the path to receive the crown of life. If I begin to stray surround me with Godly people who will drag me back onto the path of life and off the path of death. Please guard my mind from being enticed with the things of this world. Use me to give birth to new life in you. Help me avoid the desires of my heart. Open my eyes to see a glimpse of heaven though your sacrifice upon the cross, your battle in the grave, and your victory in the resurrection.So I can see the crown of life You desire to give to me. Amen...