May 18

Temptations v Tests

 

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  ––James 1:12

 

Sometimes life’s hurdles can be confusing. Something bad happens, we get knocked down, pick ourselves back up, and then try to learn from the experience. For example, a friend of mine recently mentioned that he’d successfully put the brakes on a work relationship with a female colleague that was heading into dangerous waters. As we were finishing the conversation, he said, “Man, I’m glad I passed God’s test.”

As politely—but firmly—as I could, I tried to explain to him that what he had experienced wasn’t a test from God, but a temptation from the enemy (or his flesh). “So what’s the difference?” he countered. It’s a great question—and a very important one. The Word tells us that God will never tempt us to sin. James 1 is a great chapter that covers the subject of temptations and tests, so let’s break things down a bit.

Temptations – James 1:13-14 says:

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

In other words, God is never the source of our temptations. He will not throw a pornographic magazine in your path to see if you have the will power to walk past it.

Tests – See how James describes the outcome of when we surrender a trial to God:

 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  ––James 1:2-4

While temptation is a lure to sin that comes from the world, the flesh, or the devil, a test (or trial) may be allowed by God to strengthen faith and reveal character. For example, He may take circumstances He did not orchestrate, such as being fired from your job, and then use the trial of unemployment to test and strengthen your faith.

In both cases—tests and trials—it comes down to our will: We need to choose how we respond in each circumstance. When we are tempted, do we turn to Him to give us a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13), or do we indulge the urge? Likewise, when life treats us unfairly, do we curse God (even though He’s not to blame), or do we see the situation for what it could be: an opportunity to surrender it to the Lord and ask Him to use the trial to deepen our faith. The choice is always ours.

Lord, thank You that You are not a trickster who uses temptation to see if we will sin. Instead, I am so grateful that You truly are the Father of Lights, and that in You there is no shifting shadow.