Temptation is like being caught in a spiderweb. The beauty of the web entices us to look closer and yet once we’ve taken that first step, as James so vividly portrays, we become trapped. We are unable to pull back, where desire leads to sin, and we become entangled in a web that eventually leads to death (v 15). How easy it is to take that first step: just one drink, just one white lie, just one quick look… Of course, the list is endless.

However, temptation does not come from God (vs 13,14). We can be misled into thinking that our personal desires will bring life, but Jesus reminds us that Satan only comes ‘to steal and kill and destroy’ (John 10:10). God’s amazing gift is the crown of life for all those who persevere (v 12). It’s repeated in Revelation 2:10: ‘Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.’ This gift of everlasting honour and praise is bestowed on all those who endure trials and temptations, living faithfully for Christ.

‘By perseverance the snail reached the ark.’¹

Continuing his introduction, James returns to the issues of trials (v 12). There is an end goal to persevering through trials. Such a person is ‘blessed’ and promised a ‘crown of life’. This beatitude tells the community that, despite their circumstances, their perseverance under trial is not a pointless exercise. There is a future hope for all those who love God. 

The problem for some of us when going through trials is, of course, the temptation to blame God, questioning his goodness. James will have none of that thinking. If trials lead to sin, that is because of the ‘evil desires...’ within us (see v 14), which are entirely our responsibility. Note how, in verse 15, James moves from conception through birth, maturity and death. Evil desires might start small, but if they are nurtured the end result is not a future hope but a future destiny devoid of such hope. 

The antidote is given in verses 16–18. Focusing on God’s character helps to keep our minds fixed on the blessing that perseverance under trials will bring.

Have you ever wanted God to explain himself? We want reasons and, if we do not get them, the temptation is to blame God. This passage demands that we lose that kind of thinking, as that is to conceive an evil desire which, unchecked, grows and develops and leads to death. Rather, our focus needs to be on God’s character and the goal to which we are being led. We might not be feeling ‘blessed’ right now, but that is exactly what James says in this passage. Contrary to the world’s values, God’s blessing does not mean an easy life. Countercultural living means understanding blessing with a completely different mindset. Do you need to reset your thinking about what blessing means in your life?

Paul wrote, ‘Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness’.² Meditate on the joy that will be yours when you receive your ‘crown’.

¹ CH Spurgeon, 1834–92  ² 2 Tim 4:8