Day 34: The Cost is Too High

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 6:27-35

Central Thought: Disregarding godly instruction will always bring pain

Adultery and fornication are rampant in our culture, and the lack of shame is astounding. These sins have been part of the human race since time began; and, unfortunately, many Christians have fallen into these cleverly-laid satanic traps.

The Bible teaches that adultery is like putting hot coals in your lap or walking on hot coals with bare feet. A burn is one of the most painful injuries. Depending on the location and severity, it can cause life-long disfigurement and great emotional pain even after the physical injury has healed.

Satan is a master of deception. If we believe that committing adultery just one time will not be a big deal, we believe a lie. The Bible promises pain with adultery, and no one escapes. We will always have the agony of knowing:

• we deliberately sinned against God,
• we betrayed a spouse’s trust and love,
• our children grieve because of our actions,
• we destroyed our Christian witness, and
• we have caused another person to sin and brought grief to his/her family.

The Bible has harsh warnings for anyone who enters into the minefield of adultery. Proverbs 6:33 (NIV) says, ‘his shame will never be wiped away.” Even though we will always be ashamed of our sin, if we repent and ask Christ to forgive us, He is faithful and just and will forgive us (1 John 1:9).

Devotional Prayer: Lord, please help me to resist the temptation of sexual sin. Help me also to be careful that the clothes I wear and the way I conduct myself do not encourage sinful thoughts in someone else. Thank You for loving me so much that You gave me Your Instruction Book on how to live.

Today’s Bible Reading: Exodus 17:8-19:15; Matthew 22:34-23:12; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 6:27-35