Another One Bites The Dust

Day Sixteen

Another One Bites the Dust (Read Proverbs 7:6-27)

"Seduction is merely encouraging a man to do something he already wants to do." ~ Lisa Kleypas

The Book of Proverbs (wisdom literature) repeatedly reminds us of human beings' propensity to lust after worldly vices, especially the desire to lay with whomever they choose; under the delusion, they can do so with impunity. The author classifies humans lost in this delusion as fools and their actions as foolishness that leads to further separation from God and potentially death, both spiritually and physically.

Let's be honest with ourselves: due to our wavering belief in God and suffering from the delusion that more is better, our tendency to lust after people, places, and things is our default mode. We are driven by pride and fear, with the sense of urgency that if we don't act now, somebody else will have what we think we so desperately need. Whether it's our lusts for power, glory, prestige, or lying with whomever we desire, we are deluded. We want what we want when we want when we want it, and, of course, we want it all, and we want it now.

Today's reading is a classic scene of an eyewitness watching from afar, narrating for us the story of a lustful man being seduced by a promiscuous woman. It shows how vulnerable and selfish human beings, by default, indeed are. If you test the flesh, you will lose every single time. Today's story can easily be titled "Another One Bites the Dust." It's easy to sit in judgment and blame either character in the story for enticing the other, but the truth is, they were both pursuing what was already alive inside their heart.

²¹ So she seduced him with her pretty speech
    and enticed him with her flattery.
²² He followed her at once,
    like an ox going to the slaughter.
He was like a stag caught in a trap,
²³     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.

"Somewhere in between all the mind games, lies and seduction...I fell for you. Somewhere in between all the broken promises, manipulation, and heartaches...I got over you. But I guess I fibbed a few times, too. Remember all those times I swore I needed you? Well, consider them lies because baby, here I am without you and survived." ~ Lil Wayne

How do we overcome our hearts' desires and the illusiveness and seduction of people, places, and things? It starts with realizing that our love for selfish desires will never end by merely relying on ourselves to be victorious because our dilemma is lack of power. We love sin too much to leave it, so our only hope for redemption, salvation, and victory is by the grace, mercy, and love of a power greater than ourselves. That One is God, and he has already invited you to follow him.

It takes two to say "yes" to be in a relationship. God has already said "YES" to you. How awesome that is! What is your response to his invitation? 

Are you ready to live for God's ambitions rather than the costly pursuits of your selfish desires and self-interests? Hopefully, you say, "Yes, but how?" By exercising your faith and by exercising repentance, both are a must. Day by day, you must live for something greater than yourself. Learning to love God and others with all your heart and practicing spiritual principles in all your affairs is the remedy to the end of the vicious cycle of foolish behavior and costly outcomes.

So, once again, are you ready? You can't do this on your valition, but God's love can and will transform your life. God's promises always materialize if we persist in following his design for living. You can't do this, but God can, so why not let him and avoid biting the dust?