James 1:14b-15 “…each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Sin doesn’t just “happen”. Nobody, especially not believers, ever falls into sin. It all begins with desires. Desire in and of itself is not evil and not sin. However, the devil is often able to twist that desire or use it to lead us in a direction that he wants us to go. Sin is a process. It has to undergo certain steps. When our selfish desires lead us to make plans or consider action – sin is conceived. For example…if you are angry, you have not yet sinned. But if that anger causes you to contemplate harming the focus of your anger and you allow yourself to enjoy the thought of what you want to do…sin has been conceived. When you actually take action to revenge yourself – sin is born. And the ensuing chain reaction of events is the maturing of sin as consequence leads to further thoughts and further actions dragging you deeper and deeper. Evil desires (lust) are those that are unregulated…those we permit to go wherever they want unchecked and without boundaries. When you relinquish control of anything, thoughts, emotions, etc. you offer the devil the opportunity to take control. There is no doubt then where things will end up.

Pray: Lord Jesus, you have given us a spirit of self-control (2 Tim. 1:7). It was never your intention that we be ruled by our earthly nature or the desires of our flesh. Any desire, even those which are not evil, can be twisted if allowed to run unchecked. Teach me, Lord, to always remain in control; to establish boundaries that keep my thoughts and emotions in line with what you have taught me. Help me to catch sin early in the process…when breaking free does not result in damage to myself or those around me. In your holy and mighty name I pray – Amen