In my NIV Bible, the heading for Proverbs 5 is “Warning
Against Adultery.” I see that, picture
my three teenagers, and think, “there’s an awkward conversation waiting to
happen.”
But read this passage carefully. Yes, it does include a painfully specific
warning against marital unfaithfulness.
However, there’s also a beautifully simple guide telling us how and why
to avoid any type of sin:
Stay far away from the temptation.
The sin may seem sweet now, but the results will be bitter.
The sin will destroy the best parts of your life.
You’ll have regrets when it is too late to recover what
you’ve lost.
Be happy with the things God has given you.
You won’t be able to hide your sin from God.
We expect the Bible to tell us how sin will impact our
relationship with God. But what touches
me in these verses is the deep concern with the negative ways sin will impact
our lives here on earth. God leaves us
these verses because he wants to spare us the pain of giving our “best strength
to others” (v 9) and of seeing our work “enrich another man’s house” (v
10). God knows that “the evil deeds of a
wicked man ensnare him” (v 22) and that he will be “led astray by his own great
folly” (v23). God has much better things in mind for his
children.
So what does God have planned for us? If we will follow his direction, he will be
with us wherever we go (Joshua 1:9). He
will strengthen us and help us (Isaiah 41:10).
He sent Jesus to redeem us so
that we could have full and abundant lives (John 10:10). He instructs us to share all our anxieties
with him (1 Peter 5:6). And he gives us
everything we need to live godly lives (2 Peter 1:3). Now there’s a conversation I’d love to have
with my kids.
How has God’s guidance enriched your life?
Many blessings,
Shannon Clark
Worship Ministry Admin
Shannon, thanks for reminding us of God's faithfulness to not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear (1 Corinthians 10:13).
ReplyDeleteGod's guidance led me to Cove Church over 13 years ago, and it led me to go on staff at Cove 10 years later to help start the Chase campus where I am able to use my gifts to live out my calling to the fullest, which is enriching, fruitful and life-giving.
Grace & Peace, Stephen
I like the thought that God doesn't just want us to avoid sin because it is wrong, but because He doesn't want us to have to live with the consequences of our sin. He cares about us and wishes the best for us because He loves us.
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