Tested or Tempted?

Is it a test, or is it a temptation?

It is important to point out that there is a difference between being tempted and being tested. Temptations appeal to the flesh, whereas tests appeal to the Spirit. Thus, the saying is that a man's spirit will sustain him in sickness. How we view various trials determines whether we are being tested or tempted.

The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
— Proverbs‬ ‭18:14‬ ‭NKJV

Further, God is not the author of temptation, as he has nothing in Him that can appeal to the flesh. The scripture says,

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
— James‬ ‭1:13-15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Satan is the author of temptation as he is the author of deception. Temptation has one aim and that is to cast a shadow or a barrier between the person and God. Conversely, trials are designed to aid the person in removing barriers between himself and God by giving God an opportunity to see the fruit activated in the person’s life.

When God visits, he does it for one reason only, and that is to see if he can find fruit. As Christians, we are supposed to be ready in season and out of season to give a reason for the hope that is in us. Remember what Jesus did to the fig tree when He came looking for fruit and there was none. Remember that it was not even the season for figs, yet Jesus was so disappointed to find no fruit that he cursed the fig tree, and soon it was withered and dead.

Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response, Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it.
— Mark‬ ‭11:12-14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So you see, when God visits, he looks to see if he can find fruit. The Bible says that Jesus is the author and the finisher of your faith. Jesus is the keeper of your vineyard (your heart). He is your advocate before God, and he has sent the Holy Spirit to help you. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to lead you into situations that will till the ground of your heart and cause you to bear leaves and have fruit in and out of season.

So many of us don’t even know the time of our visitation. We don’t understand that our trials are a visit from God, a test, to see Him glorified in us. If we are not mindful, we will allow the devil to change our test into a temptation.

Here is a simple example of being in a position to be either tested or tempted, according to what Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, has been able to put into your heart. Imagine that while you are out shopping, someone unknowingly drops some cash on the ground. You are presented with either a test or a temptation at that moment. If the devil can appeal to the lust of your flesh, he will convince you to pick up the money and pocket it. However,, if you can discern the time of your visitation, you will recognize this as a test from God to show His glory through you. In this case, you would provide fruit to God by picking up the cash and returning it to the person who dropped it.

Ensure you are always prepared to be fruitful, even amid possible temptation.

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