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My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations knowing that the proving of your faith works patience. James 1:2
Fall – What kind of temptations are you supposed to count all joy? Oh, did you think that all temptations qualified? I’m not so sure James would agree. James specifically regards those temptations that are the result of peripipto, literally, to fall into something that surrounds you. You can think of it like this: you’re just walking along minding your own business when you suddenly slip off the edge of a pier. Instantly, you’re surrounded by dark water. You didn’t plan on this. You weren’t looking for a swim. You might even have thought you were doing everything right, but here you are, under water.
Temptations that suddenly come upon you, submersing you in the pressures and appeals of the world are quite a bit different from the ones that you bring upon yourself. Do you know what I mean? A friend of mine recently attended a business function. He was invited to meet several important clients at a club at the end to the day. Knowing the potential for temptation, he took measures to provide support. But when he stepped in the door, nothing prepared him for the onslaught of tempting pleasures offered. He stepped off the pier without even knowing it. Time to count it joy and realize that God’s character building process was in operation.
That’s very different from my recent struggle with temptation. I was wholly responsible for allowing the entrance of suggestion in the first place. I found myself fighting for my life, not because I accidentally plunged into dark water but because I actually waded into the deep end of the pool. God help me. Taking a plunge is one thing. Easing into the water a bit at a time is quite another.
The Christian has no fear of plunges. Why? Because God is engineering the life that suddenly falls into temptation. I wasn’t planning it. I was simply thrown into it. The only thing that the Christian has to fear is wading into the water. That is the deliberate choice to get comfortable with the surroundings just a little bit at a time. Before you know it, you’re in over your head and God didn’t put you there.
Let God engineer the falls. They are all opportunities for character building. They are His way of testing your metal. Like David, you can rejoice that God counted you worthy of tests. But do all you can to avoid wading. Run away from the edge of the shore. Just sticking your toe in is an invitation to shark bites. Where you control the rate of descent, you’re asking for trouble. Plunges are far better.
