JD Abshire

I agree with Ursula that harboring hatred toward anyone can and does take your eyes and mind off the Lord.

If anger is the result of hating sin, evil and what the devil represents (in a Godly way) this is a good thing.

However, if hatred is coupled with blaming the devil for all our sin, faults and shortcomings, this is very unhealthy and contrary to scripture.
James 1:13 " Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:"
James 1:14 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."
James 1:15 "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
James 1:16 "Do not err, my beloved brethren."

From this passage we learn that God tempts no one and cannot himself be tempted with evil. It is our own evil desire, craving and longing that draws us toward that which is evil. I believe the word "conceived" in this context is used metaphorically meaning to indulge in lustful thinking, sinful impulses. It is understandable that the seed of lust or desire which is within has now germinated and will soon bear fruit.

There is a lot of controversy as to when life actually begins. I believe the Bible teaches that it begins at the moment of conception (Psalms 51:5; 58:3).
As such, sinful desire originates in the mind, soul and core of man. Once fertilized by temptation it is then "conceived". So as The Lord stated in Matthew 5:28 "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Some of you may remember a comic in the mid 60's-70's era by the name of Flip Wilson? His famous line which I have seen printed on numerous T-shirts states: "The Devil made me do it".

Well, actually, realistically, you and I thought the thought and/or committed the act because we wanted to, the devil just presented the temptation. Yep, the devil very frequently gets blamed for our problems and faults. I've heard it called the Eden syndrome (See Genesis 3:12-13) and more commonly known as "passing the buck".

Psalms 119:1 "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Romans 6:6 "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."

February 24 2015 • Report