When Temptation Grows… What Are We Really Feeding?

In life, everything follows a pattern: birth, growth, and maturity, just like in nature. Our hearts, especially when it comes to temptation, are no different.

James 1 teaches us that temptation doesn’t stay small, it grows. It starts subtly…a thought, a feeling, a desire. But if we feed it, it grows. This desire can lead us to make choices that go against God’s will. When this pattern continues unchecked, the Bible warns it ultimately leads to death, both physically and spiritually.

Here’s the good news:

God doesn’t leave us stuck in this cycle. We’re not helpless or without hope. Jesus offers a way to freedom.

So Where Does Temptation Come From?

James makes it clear that temptation doesn’t come from God. It comes from our own desires, and when we give those desires too much attention, they pull us in directions we were never meant to go.

Temptation isn’t a sin on its own. However, what we do with it is important.

• Do we entertain it?
• Do we dwell on it?
• Or do we bring it to God and ask for help?

Whatever You Feed Will Grow

Here’s a personal question for us all to return to frequently through life:

Are you feeding temptation or truth in your life right now?

It’s so crucial that we understand that temptation grows when you give it time, attention, and keep it a secret. Truth, on the other hand, blossoms when you dive into God’s Word, build honest relationships, and stay sharp for those early red flags.

Don’t Forget: You Are God’s Prized Possession

James 1 ends with a beautiful reminder.

God didn’t leave us stuck in sin, He gave us new life.

Through His Word, He birthed something new in us, and of all the things He created, He calls you His prized possession. Never forget that you’re not defined by your past temptations or your moments of weakness. You’re defined by the One who chose you, redeemed you, and calls you His own.

A Reflection Question & Simple Prayer:

Question: Is there a temptation in your life that you’ve been brushing off as “no big deal”? What’s one practical step you can take today to starve that temptation, and feed your soul instead?

God, help me recognize temptation for what it is. Give me the strength to say no, and the humility to ask for help when I need it. I don’t want to feed sin. I want to feed my faith. Thank You for calling me Your own. Amen.

ℹ️ At Christian FM, we use AI tools to spark ideas and streamline our content, with every blog carefully reviewed and refined for accuracy and engagement.