September 15
“With her many persuasions she entices him; with her flattering lips she seduces him. Suddenly he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as one in fetters to the discipline of a fool, until an arrow pierces through his liver; as a bird hastens to the snare, so he does not know that it will cost him his life. Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths. For many are the victims she has cast down, and numerous are all her slain. Her house is the way to Sheol, descending to the chambers of death.” (Proverbs 7:21-27)
Please read Proverbs chapter 7 if you are not well familiar with this warning about falling prey to the seductions of an adulterous. This I believe applies equally to seductive, deceptive immoral men as well as women. The willing victim first took the way to her house; he chose a path that would bring him near to her, and he listened to her flatteries and persuasions rather than cling to what he knew was the right thing to do. Note well the consequences he received as a result of his folly (“ox goes to the slaughter,” “fetters to the discipline of a fool,” “arrow pierces through his liver,” “bird hastens to the snare,” “it will cost him his life,” “victims she has cast down…slain,” “descending to…death”!), and so will we today when we fall for the persuasions of the immoral.
Although the consequences of pornography and lust (without actually committing adultery in the flesh) may not be as severe as this, I believe they are likewise very heavy and damaging to our families, our reputation as believers in Christ, and our own well-being. Long term pornography addictions can lead to physical immorality and other evils and can do devastating damage to a person and those around them. It is like inviting demons to come and live with you and expecting God to bless you or at least keep you from harm. It just doesn’t work that way. That kind of wishful thinking is part of the deception that Satan has to get us to believe, that “it’s not that bad,” or “God will forgive you,” or “nothing really bad will happen as a result.”
If you are genuinely a Christian, believe me, you will suffer consequences as a result of your immoral lusts and participation in immoral behaviors, even viewing pornography. Never underestimate the extent God is willing to go to purge you of evil. Never presume upon His goodness and grace. Never assume that you can sin without consequence.
“With reproofs Thou dost chasten a man for iniquity; Thou dost consume as a moth what is precious to him;” (Psalm 39:11)
What is precious to you? What is valuable in your sight? Your family? Your wealth? Your reputation? Your credibility? Your position? Your sanity? Your personality? Remember King Nebuchadnezzar? Do you recall how God took his sanity away from him so that he would bow before God and acknowledge His sovereignty? How much more is He willing to go to discipline you to purge you of the evil of pornography and lust and immorality, to make you conformed to the image of His Son Jesus, holy and pure in body, mind, and soul? It’s your choice how bad you want the consequences to be, how much you want to provoke God and put at risk in your life.