Just a Click Away from Disaster?

Read: James 1:12-18

Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. (v. 15)

Seconds from Disaster was one of my favorite TV shows. It analyzed natural and human-made disasters, reenacting the events and probing to find out the cause. The plot and narration would fill the audience with curiosity—what led to the disaster? How could people have avoided or prevented it?

We may not be able to avoid every disaster in our lives, but we can avoid some, and the Bible guides and helps us. The choices are often in our own hands. Today’s reading tells us that desire generates sin, and sin when fully developed leads to death. James exhorts us not to be deceived by the things we want but to rely on God who never changes.

Both young and old are vulnerable to spam emails enticing for easy money, an illegitimate relationship, or pornography. Especially when we’re alone and emotionally hurt, Satan can get the upper hand decoying us toward disaster.

When tempted, we must restrain ourselves, take a deep breath, and pause to think about the consequences. “The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (Titus 2:11-12). May God help us to first consider the grace he makes available to us. —Dr. A.K. Lama

As you pray, confess the places where desire has led to sin in your life. Ask God for the support of godly friends to encourage you.