Dragged Away

Ever feel like you lost control? How did that go?

“But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14–15 (NIV)

Reflection

This verse from James… you kind of have to stop on it, don’t you? He’s a tough one. Maybe it’s because his brother was Jesus and he didn’t really grasp what that meant until later.

But is James wrong?

I don’t think so. I think he’s actually dead on.

We really do get dragged away by desire. And desire is where the enemy sees an opening. It’s not usually some huge, dramatic temptation. It’s subtle. It’s small. It’s cultural. It’s convenient. It’s whatever is easiest in the moment.

Our world is built for distraction. And with the way we’re glued to our devices, it’s easy to be pulled toward things we never intended to linger on.

Here’s an example that hits a lot of us men. Most of us are visual. When a beautiful woman walks by, we notice. That’s not the issue. The issue is what we do next.

Jesus says if you look at a woman lustfully, you’ve already committed adultery in your heart. That hits hard. Because we often excuse it as “just being a guy.” But maybe that’s the exact thing James was talking about. It’s anexample of being dragged away.

Here’s another one. How many of us say we want to spend time with God… but then find it easier to check a sports score, stock price, or scroll through social media instead?

It’s not about guilt. It’s about awareness. What’s dragging you away?

Getting Back to Center

We all need tools to get back. To fight that drift.

For some, it’s scripture memorization. If that’s you, use it.

For me? When I feel the tug, I say this out loud:

“I love God. I obey God. I worship God.”

Simple. Grounding. Centering.

Why do I do this?

Because I read something once that really hit me:

“I break God’s heart when I sin.”

That hurts. That lands deeper than guilt. It’s relational. It makes it personal. And that’s what sin is. Personal and against Him. Against others. Against ourselves.

James ends the verse with the word death. And that sounds extreme. But sin has a way of killing thing. It kills trust, connection, peace, joy, even hope. It adds up. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes fast.

Sure, we’re saved through Jesus. But that doesn’t mean we take it lightly. That doesn’t mean we treat grace like a free pass. Jesus didn’t die so we could stay in our patterns. He died so we could walk in freedom.

So maybe we stop assuming everything’s fine and just pause for a moment.

A Quick Heart Check

Are you being dragged away? What is it? Is it hurting God? Hurting you? Hurting someone else? If the answer is yes, then stop. Repent. Change the habit. Come back to center.

We’re all a work in progress. And no matter how “together” you feel, there’s always more growth to be had. Keep asking God. Keep talking to Him. Stay curious. Stay connected.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for James. Thank you for his bold, blunt words that bring clarity. Help us to be careful and not expect a hall pass. Teach us how to pull ourselves back when we start drifting. Guide our steps. Keep us, our families, and our friends safe. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.