Sin’s Attraction

Read Proverbs 7

He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life.

Proverbs 7:22-23

Oh, the compelling attractiveness of sin! Even though we know that what we’re pursuing will destroy us, our hearts lust after that which can give us only passing pleasure at best. This proverb pictures that all-too-familiar moment when we consciously decide to go our own way. The sinful temptation may not be as obvious, but our sudden fall shares similarities with the young man’s choice.

The apostle Paul wrote candidly about his struggle: “I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate” (Romans 7:15). We love our sins so much that we follow them blindly to our destruction. May God revitalize our hearts and open our eyes to the reality that “everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8).

A WORD FOR TODAY

Giving in is giving up.

Today, Lord, show me the folly of my sinful ways. Help me to desire your righteousness more than anything that this world has to offer.