I am Not Buying That Bag of Chocolate...

Scripture:
James 1:12-18 (ESV)

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. 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. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Devotional:

Walking in the grocery store passing by that five pound bag of chocolate candy can be hard to resist.  Sometimes there is this irresistible urge to pick up one or two bags.  Usually there is something that helps me walk right on by without stopping.  Simply put I do not want to spend that much money on a large bag of candy.  As a matter of fact the temptation for a candy bar has been reduced.  Why, because I do not wish to pay over a dollar for what I once purchased for twenty-five cents or less.  At first it can be hard to walk away from that calling candy bar.  After a while I realized I hardly ever notice them anymore.  

Now you might be thinking that the temptations you face every day is not the same thing as walking past chocolate candy.  You are right and you are wrong in that thought.  Temptation into sin is very much like walking by those candy bars.  You are tempted to do something you know is wrong.  You find it hard to walk away.  You really desire whatever it is.  You can fill in the blank for your temptations.  Before it was easy for me to just pick up a candy bar, or bag of chocolate.  No big deal, fifty cents here or there who would notice, or care.  Temptations are the same.  You might think you can get away with it.  No one will notice.  The problem is that God does notice, and you do know.  However, God provides you a way out.  He provides you with what you need to withstand and say no.  1 Corinthians 10:13 (NASB):

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

 In my example I use the high cost of a candy bar as a deterrent.  After a while I found I really could care less about getting a candy bar or bag of chocolate.  God will help you with saying no.  After a while you will notice the temptation is really no longer tempting.  You could care less.  God promises to help you refuse the temptations that come your way.  The price is just too high.  The price of a candy bar can be well over a dollar.  The price of sin is death.  

Just remember when you go fall, pick yourself back up.  Repent of your sin and ask for forgiveness.  God is a God of love and mercy.  Jesus paid the price of sin.  We have been cleansed.  This does not mean you can just keep on sinning.  To love Christ is to obey Christ, which means we do our best to not sin…