Faith that Works Day 2

James 1:9-15

True Worth and Real Temptation

9 Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10 and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

What did you think, feel, or see as you read?

True Worth: It is said often that comparison is the thief of joy. Nowadays, comparison is astronomically easier than before. Through social media, I can now compare my dinner, my outfit, my looks, and my personality not only with people I see each day, but with people across the state, nation, and world. Many are feeling like failures at work, home, and in life because someone they have never met is working out more, eating better, and vacationing to places they have never desired to go.

James speaks to our true worth in verses 9–11. Your worth is not based on what you own, make, or accomplish. Your worth is not determined by your goodness, giftedness, or generosity. Your worth is fixed in this—God loves you and Jesus died for you. You were worth it. You are His beloved, whom He lovingly desires! Don’t forget it!

Real Temptation: Our passage ends with a focus on temptation. Here the difference between trials and temptation comes into view. Trials are experiences that lead us to God. Temptation is an urge that leads us away from God. Temptation is not from God but is cultivated in our own hearts and expressed through our own desires. Temptation has only one end—death. It seeks to kill, not grow. It seeks to harm, not help. Temptation presses on the very things that we think will satisfy and then pulls the rug out from under us!

Are you struggling more with self-worth or self-sabotage?

Do you need to rest more in your identity as God’s son or daughter, or do you need to fight against the temptation you have opened doors to?