Proverbs 1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.
This proverb is dedicated to Bill and Jackie Lewis. This is a young couple who have made major changes in their lives by changing their association. Laurie and I are very proud of this couple for the example they are setting in their community and family. Bill and Jackie have grown into leaders and servants by tying into the Team training program. They would be the first to tell you that you can do it too!
This proverb contains a very important principle for success and Godliness. As Christians we are called to be in the world, but not of the world. Because we are in the world, we will be enticed to do wrong. The first line of defense is to not willingly go into bad situations. I have read that Billy Graham will not go into a house or hotel room alone with a woman, except his wife. I think this is a good policy. Billy is avoiding even the appearance of sin and ensuring that no enticement to sin can occur. Pastor Dickie states that sin is to miss the mark. Sin is like a fire—it may start small, but it cannot be controlled once it is started. The best defense is to not light the match of sin when it is offered to you. The rule should be to never go near a fire that you know can burn you. If we can avoid the enticement, then we have a responsibility to do so.
The second line of defense is to say just say no. This can be easier said than done with peer pressure and wanting to conform, but it must be done to follow Biblical principles. When someone is doing something off track, they usually have a desire to get others involved to ease their conscience. If you have children—you’ve probably heard—but everyone is doing it! Following Biblical principles is not a popularity contest, but it is a discipline contest. Say no and then extricate yourself from the environment that is causing the temptation. Proper association with other Godly people will reduce the enticement of sin in your life. An old southern saying states, “If you hang out with dogs, you will get fleas.” One of my first mentors used to say, “If you put two geniuses and one idiot in a room for a day—when you come back, there will be three idiots.” I always laugh at this one, but I realize the truth in the saying. It takes a lot of positive associations - to make up for one bad association. I have learned to control my association as much as humanly possible.
The Bible states clearly that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. This is not an excuse to sin, but a fact of our fallen nature. We must choose to feed our spirit and starve our fallen human nature. Look at your life. What areas of your life do you know you need to change? What better time than today to ask Christ to forgive you and repent of your sins. All of us must turn from our sins and follow Christ example. Will we reach perfection? No—we will not, but that does not mean we shouldn’t be striving to hit the mark set before us. When I fail—I look to Christ and ask God to forgive me. What a wonderful gift it is to know we are forgiven in Christ. The great preacher D.L. Moody once said, “The Bible will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the Bible!” Are you reading God’s instruction manual for life or are you following the world’s path? Your choices will make all the difference in your life and leadership. Remember, when tempted by sin—consent thou not! God Bless, Orrin Woodward
Assignment: Share how good or bad associations have made an impact in your life. How does association influence the messages going into your thought life?
