Remain Plugged In
My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. (Proverbs 1:10)
Thought For Today
In my early years of schooling, one of the things we learned was the five basic needs in life. One of those basic needs was "Social Acceptance." We all want to be liked by others, and we all want to participate with others.
Even Luke tells us that after the Day of Pentecost, concerning the early church, "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." (Acts 2:42)
Most people participate in a fellowship because they feel a need to belong. Trouble starts when we don't feel a part of something, it is easy to regress, to become lonely, and give in to those who may show us social acceptance in the wrong way.
During the awareness phase of hormonal changes, young boys and girls are easily lured into lustful situations. Spouses lower their guard and end up in divorce. Once we open ourselves to ungodly influences it becomes easy to backslide from churches, change jobs regardless of the outcome. It’s the reason children run away from a healthy, safe, loving home.
When we are in a low state, that is when the enemy of the soul can entice us to follow the wrong crowd or wrong people. If we do not feel social acceptance in the church, we may turn to the world. Sometimes the community can cause us to feel rejected, but sometimes we convince ourselves to feel rejected. Many times, people who get tattoos, pierce their bodies, and dress immodestly are looking for social acceptance. They are hoping their outward appearance will be accepted by those who they then look like. We may say that they are rebellious, and this may be true, but really, they are looking for social acceptance. Somewhere within themselves, they been convinced that they don't feel accepted by their parents, friends, or family. And so, they seek acceptance from the world not realizing the enemy of their soul has a trap set for them.
Proverbs 1:10 acknowledges that evil can be tempting and alluring, often presented in ways that seem appealing or beneficial. It is known as the allure of sin.
King David saw Bathsheba and decided to have an ungodly relationship with her knowing that she was a married woman. The end resulted in the murder of her husband, who was faithful to King David, and the death of his newborn son.
Just one look…This is the Allure of sin.
The Word of the Lord to Solomon said, "My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not." She was telling him that it may look as though it is okay, but there is a trap set to destroy you.
"Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird."(Proverbs 1:17)
· The Importance of Discernment:
We are called to be discerning and not to be swayed by the enticements of those who are living in sin.
· The Danger of Compromise:
The verse warns against compromising one's values and principles for the sake of worldly pleasures or the approval of others.
· The Choice Between Wisdom and Foolishness:
Proverbs 1:10 highlights the contrast between the path of wisdom and the path of foolishness, urging readers to choose the former.
· The Power of Godly Influence:
The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with wise and godly individuals who can guide and encourage us in our walk with God.
· The Need for Strong Boundaries:
The verse encourages us to set firm boundaries and resist the temptation to participate in sinful activities, even if they are popular or seem fun.
· The Promise of Eternal Life:
The sermon reminds us that choosing wisdom and righteousness leads to a fulfilling life, both in this world and in eternity.
Let me encourage you today, if you are seeking social acceptance, don't turn to the world, look to Jesus. Be the one to accept others within the church, extend a hand of fellowship and watch acceptance follow.
