February 2023
Daily Companion | 20 February
TEMPTED, TRUSTED AND CROWNED
12Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. - James 1:12,14-15 (NKJV)
The managing director of a company had decided to test if Rolland, the new accountant could be trusted. Rolland observed the excess money in the income statement and was tempted by other staff to pocket it and share with them. However, he decided to inform the MD about the unaccounted money. The MD said “I paid in that money anonymously to test you. You were tempted but now you are trusted.”
Temptation is an indirect way to test our trustworthiness and righteousness. And as we read in today’s scriptures, in itself, temptation is not a sin but consent to it. And failing temptation has grave consequences. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells us what happens when people fall for temptations:
(i) Diseases (stinged by venomous snakes – Numbers 21:5) like HIV, hepatitis etc;
(ii) destruction (destroyed of the destroyer - 1 Corinthians 10:10) of family, relationship, reputation; and ultimately
(iii) sudden or premature death …for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die (Genesis 2:17).
Beloved, at one point or the other in your lifetime because of challenging situations, you will be tempted with immorality, money, or position. Jesus was tempted by the devil with food, power, and worldly possession but he didn’t fall for them but in the end he was crowned the King of glory (Luke 4:1-3). Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife with sexual immorality he refused to consent and later became trusted and crowned Prime Minster (Genesis 39:7-12). Rolland was tempted to steal money from the company account, but he declined, and he became trusted. Crown of life awaits all overcomers (James 1:12), and they shall not be hurt by the second death (Revelation 2:11).
Today’s Recite: My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. Proverbs 1:10 (NKJV)
Today’s Morning Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. May Your kingdom free from temptation come. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us evil in Jesus mighty name I pray. Amen.
Today’s Hymn: Yield Not To Temptation
Today’s Read Me: Numbers 32 –34
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