The Death Trap
The Death Trap
He follows her impulsively like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer bounding toward a trap until an arrow pierces its liver, like a bird darting into a snare—he doesn’t know it will cost him his life. (Prov. 7:22–23)
The Warning
Solomon warned his young son in the verse above to beware of any woman who would lead him into sexual sin. Notice three key words in Solomon’s warning: slaughter, trap, and snare. Have you ever visited a slaughter house? It can make the strongest people lose their lunch. Have you heard the desperate yelp of an animal caught in a trap? It will do something to your heart. Have you seen a bird ensnared, unable to free itself? It is a pitiful and tragic sight. All of these illustrations are meant to drive home the point that engaging in sexual immorality comes with painful consequences.
The Toll
There was once a man who had been a leader in a Christian organization until he fell into sexual immorality. He was asked, “What could have been done to prevent this?” He paused for a moment, then said with haunting pain and precision, “If only I had really known, really thought, what it would cost me and my family and my Lord, I honestly believe I never would have done it.” Take a moment and consider the consequences of sexual immorality. The toll on your body. The grief to the Holy Spirit. The damage to your reputation. The hurt to your family. Do you really want to travel down that road?
Bottom Line
The next time you are tempted to cross the line, rehearse the possible consequences of your actions.