“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone, but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.” – James 1:13-14 (NIV)
As we go through life, we face temptations. We are in a battle. There is an enemy that is baiting the hook and trying to take you down. In the end, it is our choice. Do we yield to temptation or do we stand strong? Temptation is solicitation to evil.
When we give in to temptation, we sin. Sin is anything that breaks our relationship with God. We try to shift blame to others or make excuses for our sins. How many times have you said:
“It’s not my fault!”
“I couldn’t help it!”
“Everybody’s doing it!”
“It was just a mistake!”
“Nobody’s perfect!”
“I was pressured into it!”
“I didn’t know it was wrong!”
or “The devil made me do it!”
Proverbs 19:3 says “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”
In reality, we sin because we choose to. We’ll talk in a few days about the environmental influence to sin, but the bottom line is, we have a choice. And we often choose poorly. Romans 7:18 says “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” We are responsible for our own sin. Satan wants us to pass the blame. Don’t.
What about you?
Where are you passing the blame?
What sins do you need to own up to? Confess. Repent.
In what ways have you given in to the picture Satan is painting for you?
For what are you blaming God?
How can you be more honest with yourself (and others) about your sin?
Scott Maxon 
“the bottom line is, we have a choice. And we often choose poorly.”
I totally agree, although part of me still wants to argue the point!
Thank you. Michael.