by James Lee
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; But in the end, she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell. – Proverbs 5:1-5 (NKJV)
These verses hit me hard because my friend shared his experience with me some time ago. In this day and age, the sin of lust of the flesh and eyes is rampant and probably well accepted in the world; one can easily be ensnared if one is not sober and strong in faith.
For all that is in the world–the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life–is not of the Father but is of the world. – 1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. – 1 Peter 4:7 (NKJV)
Proverbs chapter 5 is talking about staying away from committing the sin of adultery and having sexual relations with someone out of wedlock. A Christian friend once told me about his trip to a particular country with his friends. On the first night, one of his friends brought them to a red light district (it was so sudden and wasn’t part of the initial plan).
His friends were non-Christians and told him that this is the normal thing to do in that country. Being a Christian, he knows this is wrong but he was seduced by the lust of the eyes and bowed to peer pressure. He joined them possibly just for the experience, not knowing the permanent damage that he might have to face after.
He sat in the club, under flashing lights, loud music blaring, alcohol being served and many women with indecent clothing constantly coming and asking for a good time.
He mentioned how he first became uncomfortable and uneasy, but after a few gulps of alcohol, his soberness begins to cease and his endorphins started kicking in. Lust and the desire to submit to temptation begins to form and take over control.
But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. – James 1:14-15 (NKJV)
But somehow in the midst of it all, one of his friends who was a devout atheist, suddenly muttered, “Let’s see how our Christian friend reacts to this.” In an instant, he had some sort of awakening.
“No! What am I doing? I’m digging my own grave. How can I live with such regret if I had done something that cannot be undone? I am a Christian!” he thought.
There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? – Genesis 39:9 (NKJV)
And you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed, and say: “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! – Proverbs 5:11 -13 (NKJV)
If he were to get married one day, how can he live with this heavy guilt that he had done this great sin? He pondered in his heart as he asked God for help. The word “Christian” mentioned by his friend was like a sharp knife to his heart when he was approaching a point of no return. It was as if God was saying to him, “Wake up, my child before it’s too late!”
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” – Matthew 26:41 (NKJV)
Immediately at that moment, he stopped whatever he was about to do. He stopped the drinking, stopped trying to look at the women, and shoved away from their roving hands. He wanted to leave but unfortunately was still bound by peer pressure and not wanting to spoil the mood of his friends whom he was going to be with for the next couple of days.
Thank God for he was saved from what he was about to do. If he did, he would it regret for the rest of his life and might fall away although he prayed for forgiveness.
Proverbs 5:23 (NKJV) He shall die for lack of instruction, And in the greatness of his folly, he shall go astray.
During this whole ordeal, he mentioned about the constant battle in his mind, heart, and soul, the knowledge of God versus the evil nature of the flesh. In the beginning, everything was moving quite quickly, but towards the end right after realizing, time went by slowly and it was agonizing to be still sitting in that same room, thinking how could he be so weak and when would this end!?
Eventually, after the session is over he made his stand to his friends, “I am not joining this ever again throughout this trip.” After some “Hey, come on la,” “What happens here stays here” sort of talk, he kept his stand and they let him off the hook.
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. – James 1:12
It was not a trip he enjoyed at all. And he thanked God again for snapping him out of it and prayed he would never be in that situation ever again.
Brethren, it is indeed a challenging world we live in. And this example of my friend is just one of few I believe who actually pulled themselves out from such a sticky situation. Listening to his story, I did wonder if I were in his shoes, how would I react? It’s always easier said then done sometimes but after hearing his experience, I pray that I’ll be avoided from such temptation and be strong to resist if I’m unfortunate.
Therefore to all, strive to flee from lust and adultery! Even lusting through your eyes, you have committed adultery. It is indeed extremely tough. Keep what is sacred for the love of your life in marriage!
Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled, but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. – Hebrews 13:4 (NKJV)
Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. As a loving deer and a graceful doe, Let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress? For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. – Proverbs 5:18-22 (NKJV)
In the end, my friend mentioned that, if he could go back in time, he would tell his past self to just run away and not look back. But his wife looked behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. – Genesis 19:26 (NKJV)
Thus always be sober and watchful of the wiles and wickedness of the devil. Stay strong! Acknowledge our weaknesses and pray for His strength in those dire times.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. – 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
