God Tempts No One

James 1:9-15 (ESV)
Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, [10] and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. [11] For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.
[12] Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. [13] Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. [14] But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. [15] Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

Let no one say “ I am being tempted by God,”… This is one of those things that I agree with James on, even if I don’t think the letter is apostolic. I have my issues with this letter, but that isn’t to say there isn’t any value to be found in it. God tempts no one. We like to blame our bad days on God, our trials etc. There is a Devil. The world has discounted belief in the Devil, caricaturing him as an imp in red tights. The Devil is real, and he does not need God’s permission to make your life hard. God Tempts no one. He has nothing to do with Evil.