October 30, 2008
Don’t be Enticed
“For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.” 2 Peter 2:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
“I Kissed a Girl” is the title of a song that was recently number one on popular radio stations for many weeks. It’s been performed live on the Fox Network TV show, “So You Think You Can Dance.” It was also the number one iTunes download this past summer. “I Kissed a Girl - and I Liked It,” as the lyrics go, has become a trendy saying, even printed on t-shirts for teen girls and women. However, it is not just a trendy saying - it’s a deceptive enticement.
As a mother of four children ages 7, 11, 13, and 15, I want to be aware of the things they are being told by the world. As much as I wish I could guard their eyes and ears so they are not exposed to the deceptive influences that can creep in, I know I can’t be with them all the time. Therefore, I want to be informed so I can help them deal with what comes their way. I need to know what they are exposed to when they leave the walls of our home.
The cries for acceptance and love are loud today. Can you hear them? Just look at what some women and young girls will do to feel noticed, loved and accepted. Maybe you know someone like this. Maybe you are someone like this.
The truth is – we are loved, completed, noticed, and accepted. Maybe not by everyone in this world, but by Someone much greater and much more important than anyone we know – our Creator.
We were created in the image of God, but we are not God. We are human and have human feelings. Too often, we use this as an excuse to sin. If God created me to feel this way, then how could it be wrong? Ever since the fall of man we have struggled with sin. That is our human nature, but we have the ability to make choices.
The Bible says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2, NIV). I know what it is like to live the world’s way. I’ve been there. The pleasures of this world are enticing but only temporary. We need to guard our hearts and the hearts of those we love by not being persuaded by or giving into the “in thing.” We are worth far more than that. As daughters of the King, we are deserving of royal treatment. We do not need to “conform to the pattern of this world,” or do inappropriate things for recognition.
The song, “I Kissed a Girl” is written and sung by singer/songwriter Katy Perry, who is a wealthy woman today because of it. She’s gaining a lot of attention, popularity, and fame. It may interest you to know that in 2001, she released a Christian album titled “Faith Won’t Fail” under the name Katy Hudson.
Not one of us is immune to the influences of the world, and neither are our children. We need to remain intentional, and strongly aware that each of us can be deceived. We can give in to enticing temptations if we are not careful. So let’s prayerfully guard ourselves and our children from going along with worthless boasts and appeals to fleshly desires, often found in popular songs of today. Instead, let’s look to God to fill our mouths with edifying words, and fill our hearts with a strong sense of acceptance that is grounded in Him.
Dear Lord, Give me the strength to remain on Your path. Help my eyes to remain focused on what is right. Do not let me be deceived by sexual sin or enticed to believe the world’s lies. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Who Holds the Key to Your Heart, by Lysa TerKeurst
Teen Virtue Confidential: Your Questions Answered About God, Guys, and Getting Older by Vicki Courtney
Visit Melissa’s Blog, “I Am Beautiful” for more encouragement about how God sees you!
Living with Purpose: A Radical Revolution - a website for teen girls.
Application Steps:
Fill your CD player, MP3 player or car radio with Christian music today and worship Him.
If you do not know how God sees you through His Son Jesus Christ, click here to find out how you can know Him.
Reflections:
Do I care too much what others think of me? Enough to be enticed away from God’s truth?
Am I making godly choices, or worldly choices?
Power Verses:
1 John 2:16, “For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world.” (NIV)
Colossians 3:5, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” (NIV)
© 2008 by Melissa Taylor. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G, Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
Originally published Thursday, 30 October 2008.
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