Proverbs 7-9; Rom 9

" I have peace offerings with me; Today I have paid my vows, "  Proverbs 7:14

I have been shepherding young adults for almost twenty years and far too often have witnessed the same fate as this young man in Proverbs 7.  It's sad to read that He did no know it would cost his life. (v.23)  It is true that youth many times are devoid of understanding (v.7)  It seems pretty obvious the road he was heading down and the decicions he was was making were not wise and eventually did lead him to the slaughter.  To seduce the young man she tells him she has made peace with God or perhaps, it's ok I am a Christian.  Now before we continue to push blame on the young man I feel our reading today can point us inward to the same mistakes the young lad made.  My observation and research tells me it doesn't take much wisdom that sin has places it dwells.  The young lad scene the way she was dressed, approached her at night and was looking in places he shouldn't.  Many times our eyes can wonder where they shouldn't and our legs take us places that can lead down a rode of destruction.  Instead of fleeing or quickly turning our gaze elsewhere I have found many will buy into the lie of the seducers comments or thoughts will be made like. I'll just not look at the bad scenes of the movie.  He or she say's there a Christian, even though you know they don't go to church or walk in ways of the Lord.  I am being too legalistic.  God understands my heart.  Just as the young man didn't realize what his compromise would cost him, we too are guilty of not being aware of how even the slightest compromise will cost us.  I suggest to choose this day to take a different path to work or school.  Maybe it's time to watch  a different show on TV or delete a website from the computer.  Ask the Lord for wisdom to reveal to you in what ways you have been compromising or blowing through a stop sign the Lord has firmly established in your life. 

Taking inventory with you,
Pastor Joe 
Next reading:  Prov 10-12; Rom 10