THE GIFT OF TEMPTATION
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” James 1:17
When I hear the word temptation, it makes me think of many things I am tempted by, drinking, eating, and shopping. This year I participated in Dry January and wasn’t really tempted to drink a glass of Champagne. I thought, “This is good, I can overcome a temptation with the right willpower.”
I don’t think this is the type of temptation God is trying to talk about. How is it possible that temptation is a gift? I could turn it around to say, “What if I am tempted to do something good? What gifts do I have that I could use for good?” I know my gift is hospitality. I love welcoming people into my home. I love welcoming new people to church. But should I use my gift as a temptation? Can I tempt myself to do something bigger? What about our new monthly community lunch? What gifts do I have to invite those outside our church?
Prayer: Writing this now is giving me inspiration and I know this is a gift from above. Amen
Liz Marks