Now then, my sons, listen to me;
pay attention to what I say.
Do not let your heart turn to her ways
or stray into her paths.
-Proverbs 7:24-25 NIV
Recently, I read Proverbs 7 in my personal time of Bible study and prayer, and found myself unexpectedly challenged by this passage. King Solomon wrote this as a warning to young men against the seductive ways of an adulterous woman. Certainly, the context of this passage is sexual immorality, but as I read I was struck by what it reveals about a universal human desire that often influences our choices.
No, I’m not talking about sexual desire, but instead our tendency to seek pleasure without commitment and satisfaction without having to work for it. We like shortcuts. Easy profits. Minimal effort that yields great returns.
We want intimacy without faithfulness.
We want success without hard work.
We want health without discipline.
We want wealth without knowledge.
We want joy without devotion.
Chasing after these is a sure path towards self-destruction. In God’s Kingdom, there is no easy street to walk down to get what we want. Instead, we are called to walk the narrow way. Instead of looking for quick fixes to satisfy our longings, we pick up our cross daily and follow Jesus. Jesus never promised us that following Him would bring us instant gratification; instead He guaranteed it would lead us to life eternal– life and life to the full!
Today, why not take a few moments to ask yourself: Where in my life am I desiring certain outcomes without demonstrating a willingness to trust God, summit to His ways, and walk in obedience?
May this question lead you to a deeper understanding of the goodness and faithfulness of God, as you choose to trust and obey Him.
And here’s a simple prayer you can pray that I jotted in my Seek First Journal in response to my time of reflection in Proverbs 7:
Lord,
Thank You for this day, for Your Word, and for Your presence. You are worthy of all my praise– I praise You and worship You today. May Your Word and Your Spirit guide me. Keep me from walking down “easy street” instead of the narrow way. Help me pick up my cross and follow You today. Take care of me, and may Your Kingdom come! I love You, and oh, how I need You!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
*This reflection comes from my own time in the Word while completing the Seek First Journal. Click here to learn more