Did your mom ever bake cookies and tell you not to eat any? You smell those cookies, and you want one. You’re even a little angry with your mom. Like she baked those cookies just to tempt you!
Some people feel the same way about God. They want something they know is wrong, and they wonder why God is tempting them. But God doesn’t tempt anyone! Their own “evil desire” makes them want what is wrong (James 1:13–15). Like those cookies. If that were a spinach casserole, would you want any?
When you’re tempted, it’s because something inside you likes to do the wrong thing you know you shouldn’t do. The problem is in you, not in the thing you want to do. God has made you new in Jesus. You may still like what you know is wrong—but you will like pleasing God better.
Have you ever heard anyone say, “I’ve just got a nasty temper”? They seem to think that having a “nasty temper” is a valid excuse for anything they do when angry. Well, it isn’t. James says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19). Anger isn’t part of the “righteousness that God desires” (James 1:20). So how do you control a bad temper? You start by making sure you’re living a good, moral life. Then you don’t just listen to God’s Word, you put it into practice. Put God first in your life, and your temper won’t get the best of you. Or show you at your worst!
Most of the guys at school use language I get in trouble for using at home. Does the Bible even mention things like bad language or dirty jokes?
Dylan
Dear Dylan,
Take a look at James 3:3–12. James has some terrific insights about the power of the tongue. James points out in part of the passage that the tongue is like a tiny spark that can destroy a giant forest. While humans can control almost all wild animals, they still can’t control their own tongues.
We are supposed to praise God and encourage those around us. But James says that praising and cursing from the same tongue is like fresh water and salt water coming from the same spring. It just can’t happen.
You will find that if you start using bad language, soon that language will pop out even when you don’t want it to. If you listen to and tell dirty jokes, soon those kinds of thoughts will fill your mind. What do you think God would rather you fill your mind with—praise and good thoughts, or bad language and dirty jokes?
Jordan
James
Christian.
Being a real Christian will make a difference in the way you live. James wrote this book to remind Christians that God doesn’t expect you to be perfect. But he expects you to try to make good choices and live a good life.