6 Aug 2012; James 1

6 Aug; James 1

 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
(James 1:12-15 ESV)

What differentiate a person who stood trial? One who is steadfast and one who fell to temptation.

In similarities, both began the trial in a similar amount of faith and in a similar purposes.
In contrast, one stand and stood the trial. The other gave up to temptation.

The one who stood till the end received the crown. The one who fail did not received the crown. BUT how the same similarities lead to a different ending?

IN the process, greed and fear crept in. The blame starts - I am doing this is because of God - a fear excuses? God ask me to do so - so that I am being a good steward? Greed crept in - it is our own desire.

We fear losing out - losing out to what the world can offer. We greed because what others have, I also want. IN the end, we lose track of the race. We started off well in faith but excuses came and finally lose the crown.

I pray for Jo, as he reach teens against the pressure of greed and far that his peers will put to him. I pray for myself, as the world tempts with money, lt greed and fear not grips me. Let me to focus on the things of God. Amen.