Being Deceived – now THAT’s scary!

James 1:14-15 But each one is tempted when by his own evil desire; he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin when full grown gives birth to death. Don’t be deceived my dear brothers.

Deceived: The act of being misled. Entice: Lure, tempt, snare, hook, seduce

James, the writer uses ‘my dear brothers’ in the verse. That means he’s speaking to fellow believers. Yes, believers in Jesus can be deceived…by their own (evil) desire. What has so enticed you that it has dragged you away from your sweet fellowship you had with Jesus? Maybe you have fed that enticement and it now has a stronghold on you? Can’t you smell it? The stench of decay? It is a slow death to your commitment to grow closer to your Lord. Death of a promise to your children. Death of your peace. Death of your "I'm going to live christ-like at school this year". Birth to anger, tension and frustration. Birth to a walk of laziness and self-focus. Can’t you see where it has or will lead to? The Bible tells us to run from sin. God has warned us of that snare.
I got good news for you my dear friend. The good news of the gospel. Jesus is in the soul resurrection business. He’s the light we’re to follow. We’re not to walk blindly as others walk. Take off the blindfold of deception and return in repentance and obedience to Jesus. Hey, he’s calling for you now...

Father, there have been many times when I willfully, not blindly, ran to sin. Thank you Lord for the forgiveness you extend. Thank you for the chastisement…it has let me know you love me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Thank you I am not who I was and for molding me into being who you want me to be.