Cheers

Read Proverbs 29

Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

Proverbs 29:6

This proverb offers a healthy alternative to the drab life too many Christians take for granted. We avoid sin’s traps too seldom and rejoice too little over our occasional escapes. We give far too much attention to discovering how close to sinful living we can come without becoming trapped. Meanwhile, we don’t give nearly enough attention to the ways of escape that God has pledged to provide when we are tempted (1 Corinthians 10:12-13).

When was the last time you understood the danger of sin so clearly that you shouted for joy because you escaped? Have you cheered over today’s close calls? Until avoiding sin becomes at least as exciting and thrilling as temptation itself, we won’t know we are making much real progress toward righteousness.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Be suspicious of temptations.

Dear Lord, remind me to be more expressive over the victories you help me win when I escape one of sin’s traps.