Devotion for Wednesday, September 7th, 2011

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.  Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:15-16

In today’s verse we see a destructive process.  What is the process?  Unhindered desires lead to sin.  Sin always brings death.  There has never been a sinful act that has lead to life.  Sin ultimately brings destruction.  When we are tempted, and give in to that temptation, the ultimate end is pain, hurt, and destruction.
Think about all the pain that has come from sin or the effects of sin that has happened through human history.  The musician, Andrew Peterson, spoke of it in his hopeful song “After the Last Tear Falls”:
“Cause after the last plan fails
After the last siren wails
After the last young husband sails off to join the war
After the last “this marriage is over”
After the last young girl’s innocence is stolen
After the last years of silence that won’t let a heart open
there is love…”

Application:  Today, when you are tempted, don’t just think about the potential benefit to giving into the temptation.  Think about the potential harm and destruction that will happen as the result.
Also, take encouragement in this- Death will die one day, because of the resurrection of Jesus.  “O Death, where is thy sting.  O grave, where is thy victory!”