“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15).
TEXT — James 1:13-18
Message
People who study Developmental Biology define metamorphosis as a process by which an animal physically develops from birth. In a complete metamorphosis, the insect passes through four distinct phases: from egg to larva, to pupa, and then to an adult that does not resemble the larva.
In today’s text, we are introduced to the life cycle of sin. Writing to the persecuted Christians scattered in the Gentile communities outside Palestine, James emphasised, first, their need to love God and endure trials to receive the crown of life. He then went ahead to clarify the differences between temptations and trials. While analysing the process of sin, James explained that no one who sins can blame it on God or someone else. Sin does not just happen without our consent. It takes a process, like the life cycle of animals, involving four stages. First, it begins with evil desire, thought, or enticement, which is the stage when the appetite draws the individual towards an evil action. The second stage is conception, when the person’s will yields to his/her desire, and thus, becomes pregnant with action. The third stage is when sin is born, the offspring of an unhallowed union between will and desire or lust. The fourth and last stage is death, the outcome of sin.
So, the best time to stop sin is when it is still in the embryo stage of temptation. It is safe and better not to give the object of temptation a second thought. Crush the thought the very moment it comes to you. Allowing it to go a little further may prove disastrous.
We need the grace and help of God to overcome temptations. It is important, therefore, that we pray always for grace and at the same time, keep our watch. Do not stay close to, or harbour any object of temptation. Be mindful of the company you keep and the places you go. Irrespective of how deadly a temptation may be, it can be overcome. The first defence is to turn from your sinful habits, surrender your life to Christ, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide and assist you.
Thought for the day
When sin is nipped in the bud, it becomes a stillbirth
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
