Our Proverbs passage today is filled with warnings to flee temptation - whether it's sexual sin, financial irresponsibility, laziness, scheming or lying - the advice is to flee, not flirt, with temptation.
It reminds of Joseph running away from Potiphar's wife.
We often make the mistake of thinking we are stronger than we are. We think we can hang out with friends of poor character and influence them for the better - when the reality is that they are far more likely to influence us for the worse. We think we can watch or listen to whatever we want without it affecting our value system. We think that as long as we stick to the "minor sins" that we'll be ok. And yet, in the list of six things that the Lord hates, seven that are detestable - included on the list are the more "minor" sins of haughtiness and stirring up dissension. (6:16-19)
By far the most often warned again sin is sexual sin. No one is immune to sexual temptation and yet it seems to be one that we like to flirt with the most. As teenagers we want to know how far is ok - concerned more with pushing the limits as far as can instead of with purity. Whether it's premarital sex or marital infidelity, the temptation is there but the effects are particularly devastating - for ourselves personally and for the families and friends around us. Our sin does not affect only ourselves - believing that is a lie.
The solution is to steep ourselves in the Word so we can recognize temptation (especially when it's disguised as something good) and rely on the Spirit to walk in the Light - and flee from temptation, not flirt with it.
Tomorrow's passage: Proverbs 8-9, John 21
2 comments:
That's a great post Tammy. So true how often we think we're stronger than we are. And I really like your point that "sin does not affect only ourselves - believing that is a lie". Thanks!
Great post. I think it is important to recognize how slippery the slope is and to not subject ourselves to temptation. We should work at making the choice to not even come close to situations that may cause us to sin.
"Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house"
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