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Day Nine

Don't Test The Flesh (Read Proverbs 5:1-14)

We live in a time when temptation doesn't have to work very hard to draw one's attention. God made humans in his image. Once launched into the world, the systemic deception of the world system quickly erodes the imago dei in each of us, and we begin to please the world instead of pleasing God.

Today's reading warns us to avoid the sexual temptation of the flesh. The author is focused on lost women, but the wisdom here applies to all genders. Some people are gifted with beauty and charisma, and if used selfishly, it leads to poor decisions and outcomes for everyone involved.

We must heed this warning: "IF YOU TEST THE FLESH, YOU WILL LOSE EVERY TIME." Jesus reminds us of this truth: "41 Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak" (Matthew 26:41). If you attempt to look, listen, touch, taste, and smell the flesh, you will be quickly be deceived and risk falling to the point of no return.

7 So now, my sons, listen to me.
    Never stray from what I am about to say:
8 Stay away from her!
    Don't go near the door of her house!
9 If you do, you will lose your honor
    and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.
10 Strangers will consume your wealth,
    and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.

We are tasked to avoid temptation; let's be honest, it's hard because many are lost in the abyss of SELF. It's easy to dress provocatively to draw attention to yourself. To witness this in action, go to a beach, a theme park, a concert, a nightclub, and sometimes even Spirit-centered environments. It's hard not to be drawn to the performance. You are in serious trouble if you allow your emotions to attach to the temptations because once you do, it's like jumping off a cliff; there is no turning back.

Spiritually, we are without excuse, and today's wisdom from Scripture reminds us of this truth. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13).

What lengths are you willing to go to avoid testing the flesh? Remember, despite your knowledge and self-confidence, you will lose every time you test the flesh. Father, please forgive us, 13 And don't let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one (Matthew 6:13).