One of the hardest fruits of the Spirit to develop is "Self-Control" (Galatians 5:23) To deny oneself of thinking, doing, or having something that is contrary to the will of God, takes strong discipline.
The Apostle Paul battled with this when he said in Romans 7:15
"For what I am doing , I do not understand, for what I will to do, that I do not practice, but what I hate, that I do." As Christians we pledge to do the will of God, but yet we give in to our carnal desires, and end up disobeying God.
In our text, James tells us what is "beyond temptation."
"When sin is full-grown, it brings forth death. Yes some worldly activities can bring one to "physical death." But what James means here is "spiritual death" which is worse. Spiritual death is being separated from God for eternity. Only in this life, do we have opportunity to repent and turn back to God, and be restored to a saving relationship with Him.
It is worth every ounce of discipline we can generate to exercise self-control. It is always saying "yes" to God, and "no" to our fleshly desires. And if there are addictions, they can be overcome through the power of God, and our determination.
God's Word provides the warning signs, that must be heeded.
Yes, the thrill of sin is a delight for us now, but beyond temptation are the consequences that are destructive, and eternal. GP
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