Rather, each person is tempted when lured and enticed by his desire.
Then desire conceives and brings forth sin,
and when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death.
Satan is no fool; he doesn't tempt good people with bad things. They readily brush off notions that are neither interesting nor appealing. Rather, Satan tempts good people with good things.
Faced with several options, we study each one, gauging their merits against the risks and costs, and decide about them. Our preferences and desires, of course, play their own part. Everyone has predilections for certain ideas, themes, colors, places; and we're easily persuaded to do something we've often enjoyed, or something we've always wanted to do. Satan has a lot to work with in this field.
The practice of prayer would urge us to consider what God wants, and which choices God prefers. But many "good people" may be inclined to make our choices before they've consulted with the Lord. Or their desires might say the choice isn't that important. Everyone makes hundreds, if not thousands, of choices every day. We can hardly be expected to think long and hard about which route to take on a familiar trip across town when several choices amount to the same distance. "Just do it!" we say.
And sometimes, we're led on by what everyone is saying, that "This is a good thing!" The relief of pain, for instance; or cost effectiveness. Such matters hardly merit an hour in prayer.
But one choice leads to another, and we may be heading directly toward an unhappy conclusion even before we realize we chose this way. "Then desire conceives and brings forth sin...." Saint James says. We intended good but wrong came of it.
"Never stop praying!" Saint Paul said. Prayer asks the question, "What does God want?" and remains available for an answer. It may not come immediately. And, perhaps, it really doesn't matter which one we choose. Continual prayer reminds us that God is always with us, and is a party to every decision.
If we make a habit of not consulting our own preferences for every little thing, we're more open to the zephyrs of the Holy Spirit. He can shape our preferences in the smallest matters.
We want with all our hearts to know the mind of God, and nothing pleases us more than pleasing God. That is what we desire with all our hearts.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.