But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
James 1:14 NKJV
James taught believers not to blame anyone for falling into temptation because each one has the power and ability to overcome every temptation.
James showed us what makes us lose the battle when we are tempted. Here we can see that OUR OWN DESIRE draws us away.
Drawn away here means to be dragged away, lured away, or pulled forth. This requires our attention, giving a second thought, a second look, or pondering on something that is not right for our soul.
When attention is given, a weight begins to take hold where we are dragged, swayed, or pulled like a current sweeping our feet, and we find ourselves in the middle of the mess.
Our power to overcome the temptation lies in our will. When our will bends towards God, temptation loses its gravity, loses the power to drag, or loses its strength to pull us towards the temptation.
Eve in the garden gave thought to what satan said, gazed at the possibilities, and desired it. Eve lost to the temptation not because she had no power over it, but because she just gave attention to what was against God's word.
Where is our attention given, what is going on in our minds, and what kind of desires are developing in our hearts?
It is important to look at it NOW, not after getting stuck in the mud, so to speak. Many people said that they wished they had not done this and had not said that.
But we all had a choice of what to do when it first appeared before us. Therefore, setting our minds on things above and cultivating the character of Christ in our lives is very crucial.
The temptation that we give in to will eventually entice us to fall into sin. Our value in life is reflected in the conversation that goes on within ourselves.
If the conversation that goes on within us is of God, then we will give attention to the right things and discard all that will stand against the image of God.
Let us be responsible for the power, authority, and wisdom that God has given to us to stand victorious till the end.
Live in the blessings,
Ps Ambrose