Don't be Deceived

Journey through James: 1:16-18

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. — James 1:16-18

The fact that James tells us not to be deceived reminds us that we are prone to be deceived. Our mind is a battlefield. James challenged us to have the right mindset about trials; consider them all joy and know that they are for our good. He then wrote to us about having the proper mindset when differentiating between trials and temptations. James understands how easily we can fall into the trap of thinking wrongly about trials and temptations. Therefore, he reminds us that we are part of a spiritual family by referring to us as beloved brothers. 

When we go through difficult times, we can begin to blame God and think that He is just causing us to go through difficult times for no reason. But James tells us not to fall into that trap. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from God. He is the Father of lights. He is at work for our good. Trials have a purpose; God has a plan. 

We can also be deceived into thinking that God is withholding good from us. This is the line of reason the serpent used with Eve when he asked her why they could not eat of the tree of life. He made her think that God was keeping something good from her, and she was deceived. Adam and Eve bought into the lie and were deceived. God had given them wonderful and perfect gifts. We have the propensity to act in the same way. We can be deceived into thinking that the temptation or shortcut out of a trial we are facing is good and for our benefit. However, when we do this we ignore the fact that good and perfect gifts come from God.

God is steadfast; He does not change. His word will not fail. Anything that would cause us to go against Him and His word is deception. We need to remind ourselves of the truth of the gospel. James reminds us of what God has done for us. He brought us forth by the truth of His Word. He saved us and allowed us to become a part of His family. When we feel pulled towards temptation or thinking that God is keeping something from us, we need to remember what He has done for us. The truth of His Word is the best remedy to keep us from being deceived. 

Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. — Colossians 1:12-14