How do you lock out seduction?

TODAY’S PROVERB: . . . crossing the street near her corner, walking in the direction of her house . . . Proverbs 7:8

This might be considered another “blink”* Proverb, but I think there’s something in here for all of us. Verses 5 through to 27 can be looked at as the personification of seduction. Seduction is defined as sexual temptation, but it is also defined as something that tempts, allures, and charms. The end game is to draw us away from the safety of our Heavenly Father’s arms and into sin.

In both Greek and Roman mythology there is a goddess of seduction. Their role is to draw mere mortals away from safety and into their domain where they can control them. While we don’t believe in those types of things, we do know that the enemy of our soul will use knowing and unknowing souls as their pawns to seduce and harm us.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the worldly forces of this darkness, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

How do we guard ourselves from seduction? Are there “safe zones” from such seduction?

The first safe zone should be our heart. It is the first and last territory we must defend against evil. Our heart should be locked tight against anything or anyone other than who or what our Lord has given us.

What we allow into our heart determines the condition of our heart (Matthew 15). The portals into our heart include all our senses. Some are wonderful, others open the door to seduction, then temptation, and finally, sin. The senses include aspects we might not consider, such as:

• what we look at
  • television, movies, games, social media
• what we take into our mind
  • books, magazines, social media
• what emotions we foster
  • gratitude, anger, joy, unforgiveness, forgiveness, hope, greed
• what we listen to
  • gossip, good reports, worship, praise, hateful language
• what we put into our bodies
  • drugs, healthy foods, alcohol, water, healthy activities
• what tastes we develop
  • wholesome, addictive
• how we touch
  • comfort, sensuality, assistance, greed

The next safe zone is our home. We can’t keep seduction from roaming around the neighborhood, but we can keep her from our home. In the same way we protect our heart, we must lock out those things that may  bring the opportunity for seduction. Our family should be safe from seduction’s grasp — as well as ourselves.

Avoiding danger zones. Making sure we don’t journey into seduction’s neighborhood is critical to our safety. Each of us has weaknesses that seduction can exploit. The best way to fight temptation is to avoid it — just walk away. Then lock the door. Tight.

Think of Joseph when he ran so quickly from Potiphar’s wife grabbing him, he lost his cloak (Genesis 39). It’s much better than being beaten and having to run away naked (Acts 19).

As you can see, we are not defenseless against seduction. The truth is God has given us a lot of authority to overcome. We shouldn’t be cocky about it, but we don’t have to be afraid. What we have to be is wise, discerning, and secure in His knowledge.

Because we are who are are, we will succumb to temptation from time to time. Our response to that is to repent and accept our Father’s forgiveness — and make any restitution necessary. Then, most importantly, learn. Take those hard won lessons and use them against the enemy.

Living in our safe zones takes hard work and perseverance, but it’s worth it.

May we live in safety and wisdom, my friends.

Proverbs 7:8 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs

*A “blink” proverb is a proverb that on the surface, we don’t believe applies to us or is relevant for today. However, on closer reflection, there are significant insights and wisdom for us. Thanks to Dr. Raleigh Washington for coining the great analogy.