Do Not Be Drawn Away by Gloria CopelandPosted on May 21st, 2009

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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: But
every man is tempted, when he is drawn
away of his own lust, and enticed. Then
when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth
sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth
forth death (James 1:13-15).

This scripture says we are tempted when we are
drawn away. Drawn away from what? From God. As
new creatures in Christ Jesus, our inner man wants to
do the will of God. Our hearts want to please Him
and to do what is right in His sight. But we have to
contend with the temptations of the flesh.

The word most often associated with flesh is the
term lust. In our thinking it is connected with sex or
immorality. But in the Greek, the word simply means
“strong desire.” The lust of the flesh is simply the
strong desire to follow after the ways of the world,
rather than after God. For instance, a lust for money
can pull you away from God.

It is acceptable to have a desire for success, or to
obtain an education or career, or even to be recognized
in your profession. These “wants” are permissible if
they are kept in perspective—behind God. But we
must always be watchful that these things do not
draw us away from Him, and that we follow His will
for our lives. Our strong desire must be for God.

The Father wants us to be successful. On the other
hand, Jesus said, “What shall it profit a man, if shall gain
the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).
We do not want to be drawn away from God
through fleshly desires. We can walk and function in
this world without being of it (John 17:16). As
believers, we are already citizens of the kingdom of
heaven. We are not of this world.

Gloria Copeland

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