Trials: Discipling Your Kids Through Tough TimesSýnishorn

When you think of trials, what comes to mind? Circumstances? An emotional state? Physical pain? Many teens’ answers to the question, “What is suffering?” range anywhere from “My mom having cancer” to “Being left out” to “Sitting the bench game after game.” While these are all examples of trials, today’s Scripture shows that trials can also include spiritual temptation.

The Greek word for trials is the same word for temptation. The two often go hand in hand: Whenever we are at our weakest physically or emotionally, we become much more vulnerable to temptation.

According to James, the source of our temptation is our misplaced desires. In fact, the word he used for “desire” can also mean “lust.” But lust doesn’t just describe sexual desire; it encompasses any desires of our flesh. For our children, this could be the desire to get more likes and followers however possible or to find romantic love (i.e. “The One”) or to get the latest video game console or smartphone.

Social media, love, smartphones, and video games are not inherently sinful! What’s sinful is when they become something we can’t live without. Whenever we lose the ability to say no to something, it has developed an ungodly power over us.

In times of trial or temptation, we will turn to one of two places: either to the things that give us life or the things that ultimately lead to death. When we turn to things we crave as a means to fill our hearts, we find only sin and death. Only by resisting temptation and remaining steadfast do we find life and dignity.

Often, our kids don’t see their desires as temptations, probably in part because our culture tells us it’s okay to pursue whatever we want, as long as it’s not hurting anyone else. But James is clear that in doing so, we not only rob ourselves of the fullness and abundance God has for us—which is much better than any of our desires—we also ultimately bring death upon ourselves and possibly to those around us.

Ask your kids: If you could have one thing in the world, what would it be? Why? What would you give up to get it? If God asked you to give up that one thing, how would that make you feel? Would you do it?