Proverbs 1:10, “My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.”
The first time I saw pornography, was because my friend brought it to my house. The first time I smoked a cigarette, was because a friend offered it to me. The first time I stole from a store, was because my friend dared me to do it. The first time I got drunk, was because my friends pressured me to keep drinking. The first time I really beat someone up, was because my friends were cheering me on to do it. The first time I did drugs, was because my best friend said it was fun. Do you see a pattern?
Take a moment to look at your past. How many sins did you first commit because someone tempted you? Now consider how many of your favorite sins involve other sinners; for example telling dirty jokes, getting into fights, spreading gossip, getting drunk or doing drugs, bullying other people, telling lies, breaking laws or acting in sexual perversion. Do you see a pattern?
Most people are tempted to sin from those closest to them. Sadly, our friends and family are the source the enemy uses to get us hooked on our favorite sins.
King Solomon in today’s proverb is giving powerful wisdom. He is basically saying, “If you don’t want to sin, stop hanging around sinners while they sin!” God will judge all your friends, coworkers, family and neighbors for their own choices. Don’t let their sinful acts tempt you to sin. Decide today to say “no” to peer pressure and sin.
If your friends invite you to a club where you know drunkenness and perversion will be the norm, tell them no and invite them to your house for a Bible study. If your coworker asks you to be dishonest so you can make more money, correct them and let them know you don’t have to lie and steal to be successful. Your hard work will pay off. If someone at church entices you to gossip and spread hurtful things about the leadership or someone who hurt them, correct them and let them know your ears aren’t a trashcan. Also, in today’s modern world we need to be careful not to be enticed to sin while using technology. If pornographic internet ads entice you to sin, download Christian accountability software and get an accountability partner to encourage you to live holy.
The ole’ saying is true, “Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.” Make a decision today to not give in to the enticement of sinners but rather stand your ground for God.
Reflection
Action
- Think of the last three people that enticed you to sin. Pray for strength to say no if it happens again and for them to get saved.
- Say out loud in prayer, “In Jesus name I will say ‘no’ to sin and ‘yes’ to God’s commands!”
- Next time sinners entice you to sin, just say, “no.” Then use it as an opportunity to preach the gospel to them!
