A Subtle Enticement

Devotional, June 5:  Proverbs 1:10“My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.” (Proverbs 1:10, NASB95)[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=“yes” overflow=“visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=“1_1” background_position=“left top” background_color=“” border_size=“” border_color=“” border_style=“solid” spacing=“yes” background_image=“” background_repeat=“no-repeat” padding=“” margin_top=“0px” margin_bottom=“0px” class=“” id=“” animation_type=“” animation_speed=“0.3” animation_direction=“left” hide_on_mobile=“no” center_content=“no” min_height=“none”][caption id=“” align=“alignleft” width=“212” caption=“Get the "Understanding Biblical Numerology" CDs from Randy White Ministries for only $10!”][/caption]I suppose that most who read a daily devotional like this one are not easily enticed by one who might say “let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause” (v 11).  We are, after all, way too “spiritual” and mature for such a blatant crime.   I, however, wonder how often we are subtly enticed by sinners to join in activity that will “ambush the innocent without cause” nonetheless?Subtlety is one of the key tools of Satan.  Remember that “the serpent was more crafty than any beast of the field” (Genesis 3:1).  Martin Luther wrote of Satan that, “His craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on Earth is not his equal.”So how are you subtly enticed to “lie in wait for blood”?    A negative report that you receive about another is one way.  When a friend, coworker, family member, or fellow believer comes to us with a “concern” about another person, the Devil is often getting his net ready.  Soon we will be caught in its tangle, serving as his assistant.  We will do it all in the name of “concern.”  I am convinced that it is impossible for someone to get you to “lie in wait” without first giving a negative report about the one whom you will eventually ambush.The next time a negative report comes, do not receive it.  It is a subtle enticement!  Rather, insist that the report bearer go directly to the individual.  Do not receive the offense of another!  If you receive the report, you will very likely become enticed to “lie in wait for blood.In His Grace,Dr. Randy White[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]