(Proverbs 5:8 KJV) Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:
We make choices. Different choices usually lead to different destinations or at least take us on different routes. We often are so full of pride that we think we can flirt with evil and evil ways. Maybe, maybe not. Guessing wrong can have eternal consequences. We are to stay away.
Part of this is knowing yourself. One of my friends is a drinker. He likes his booze. I have no problem going to a bar with him and ordering my diet Coke. He or his drinking buddies joke about it once in awhile, but I have no problem joking back. I don’t like alcohol.
I always turn down invitations to play poker. I have played poker. I love poker. I am also a terrible player. Years ago I sensed myself on the edge of an abyss. The lure and seduction were hovering, waiting for me to try “one more time.” By the grace of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit I have sworn off gambling. I don’t go anywhere near it. In the words of this verse “I keep my way far from her.”
So? You may be stronger than I am. The issue is not how strong you are but how sneaky the devil is. Eternity is in the balance. Are you going to make choices today? Be wise, not clever, in your choices.
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2 comments:
Like you, I enjoy poker, but I don't play it. Too many people get upset when it's your turn to win. I used to smoke a pipe and cigars and enjoyed them, however, my brain became reattached the night I stood there with a sore throat, breathing in smoke. I haven't had a smoke in 28 years. I used to drink in moderation and enjoyed it, but noticed that cops auto matically accused anyone with the smell of alcohol on their breath when there was an accident (not me, thankfully). My drinking is now limited to four swallows of red wine before bed for health reasons (the nights that I remember to do it). Guess age alone gives us a different perspective, but Jesus gives us an even better one.
Part of wisdom is learning from experience and recognizing our weaknesses. Isn't it uplifting to know that Jesus is patient and waits for us to grow up. What a journey.
Other than tasting out of curiosity, the only alcohol I have had was in cough syrup. When they took it out to be politically correct it didn't work any more. Maybe some wine companies could put out a line of wines that are labelled as cough killers or sleep inducers. Nah, wouldn't sell.
Grace and peace.
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