Memorize: “My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” Proverbs 1:10.
Devotional Reading: Proverbs 1:1-19
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful – Psalm1:1
One of the major causes of juvenile crimes in our society today is pier pressure and worldly enticement from bad friends and wrong associations. Many young people have fallen victims of being held for a crime which someone else have committed. Don’t conform to bad behaviour due to peer pressure, rather, stand out and strive to be different.
It is one thing to be taught the word of God and know the truth, it is another thing to believe it and do it. We can doubt what we have been taught, but we cannot stop the consequences.
This is why the Bible is filled with warnings to recognise the many ways we can be influenced and enticed by the wrong people so that we will not become victims.
We must be careful and watchful so that we are not open to wrong influences, become gullible and easily deceived, and so naïve that we can be lured into places that we should avoid.
Many young people today are lured into campus cult and secrete society organisations in their universities. Many parents are guilty of not warning their Children enough.
There are many other ways we can be “enticed.” and feel the pressure to go along with the crowd, refuse to be lured or deceived, strive to be different.
We must be careful not to follow popular opinion, rather, we must be concerned about God’s standards.
Following the crowd, and doing what seems popular, can lead down the wrong path.
We must not “consent” to these kinds of pressures. We become particularly vulnerable if we’re not sure what we believe, not firmly committed to God’s Word, and open to compromise.
Thirdly, we are warned not to even walk with the wrong people. Not to spend time with them, or give them the opportunity to poison us with their wrong or negative thoughts.
We are also warned not to sit with them. You must carefully and prayerfully chose your friends and avoid wrong influences and places.
Stay firmly rooted in His Word. Know what you believe, and don’t allow yourself to be wrongly enticed. May the Lord help you to shun negative influences around you and keep away from worldly enticements. Strive and make positive difference in our world, leave good legacies for the your generation and the generation coming after. May the LORD help us all to make positive difference in Jesus name.
Prayer point: My father and my God, please help me to strive and make positive difference in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Remember; anyone who is a friend of the world, is an enemy of God.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
