The Truth About Temptation

I was watching the news last night. My jaw dropped when I heard a certain politician take ownership for a huge mistake.  I opened my eyes and realized it was all just a dream. When was the last time you saw someone take responsibility for their actions? Sadly, we have to think very hard if we can come up with any example at all. "The devil made me do it. It's just who I am. It's not my fault." We all have excuses for our actions. It's part of our fallen world--our sin nature. We blame others. When we're wrong, we double down with authority...as if saying it louder will somehow make it right. The Bible tells us that this is the certain path to death. In a world of image consulting, damage control and social media poses--no one wants to look bad. And we wonder why we are so angry, divided, anxious and addicted. The answer is because it doesn't work.  Instead of humbling ourselves (Hint: a huge theme in the book of James), we simply keep at it, in hopes that someday it may work...I'll feel good, look good and be good. The Bible offers another way--a scary way to wholeness. Take responsibility. Deal with your sin. James will take a step further back...to temptation and how to deal with it.