The enticement of sin

Proverbs 5:21-23 (NLT)

21 For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths. 22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast. 23 For lack of discipline they will die, led astray by their own great folly.

Those who live in sin attempt to live in secrecy. They promise themselves they will let no one see the evil acts they perform, but it is to no avail for The Lord sees all that they do. God knows the heart of the person and sees it in truth. Man is always under inspection by God and eventually man is called into judgment for the wrongful actions committed. It is not that man has not been warned, but that man is following his own selfish desires instead of the plans God had laid out for him.

In the vicinity of Richmond, Vermont, you'll find the Huntington River Gorge. It's a beautiful spot—but it's also quite deadly. In the last 40 years, 20 persons (mostly young adults in their 20s and 30s) have lost their lives in the gorge. Those injured while swimming have numbered in the hundreds.

On the surface, the water looks calm and placid, but beneath this attractive scene are strong currents that run swiftly over treacherous waterfalls and whirlpools. Public safety officials have designated the gorge "the single most deadly place in the state." Warning signs have been posted by a concerned individual on a side of the gorge, reading: "When the water is high due to rain or snowmelt, especially powerful currents can easily sweep you over the falls and trap you underneath the water."

A debate rages as to what to do with this dangerous place. Some argue for more public information that can properly educate people of its risks. Others are pushing to ban anyone and everyone from visitation. All the while, swimmers continue to be attracted to the scene. One college student attending the University of Vermont—just 14 miles away from the gorge—said she had heard about the beauty of the location and had the desire to see it herself. She commented that people know about the dangers and try their best to be careful.

"We just go swimming in the shallow part," she said. "You can't change the water, and you can't stop people from going in." [Katie Zezima, "An Enticing Gorge Poses a Deadly Problem," The New York Times (7-16-06); submitted by Ted De Hass, Bedford, Iowa]

Sin often looks attractive and enticing to a person; yet they don’t see the dangers lying beneath the surface. There are strong currents that will suck them deeper down into sin and hold them there. If they are not careful they are swept away by sin. Some see the temptation of sin and think they can play at the edge and stay safe, but eventually they are lured deeper into the sin. Just like the warning signs posted around the water God has given us warning signs in His Word. Free yourself from the secrets you are holding onto and open yourself to God that He would free you from the sin that so easily wants to entrap you.