The Bait Always Looks Good

Read: James 1:14

“

…and enticed.

”

James now uses fishing language. Enticed. Bait. And bait only works because it looks desirable.

Temptation does not advertise destruction. It advertises relief. Relief from loneliness. Relief from

insecurity. Relief from stress. Relief from invisibility. Relief from boredom.

For many women, temptation is relational before it is behavioral. Attention that feels affirming.

Comparison that feels motivating. Venting that feels justified. Control that feels responsible. It

feels reasonable. But bait is never the goal. It is the trap. The hook is hidden.

Temptation says,

“This will finally satisfy.

” But satisfaction found outside of God’s design always

comes with cost. The cost may not be immediate. But it is inevitable.

And here is the deeper layer: Temptation often attaches to legitimate needs. The need to be

seen. The need to be secure. The need to rest. The need to be valued. The need is not sinful.

The shortcut is. The question is not,

“Why do I want this?” The question is,

“Am I trusting God to

meet this?”

Deep Reflection

What “relief” have I been tempted to pursue lately?What legitimate need may I be trying to meet in illegitimate ways?

Prayer

Father, show me where I am reaching for counterfeit satisfaction. Teach me to trust You with

real hunger.