Bridge to Self-Destruction

Most distractions can be insignificant, but major distractions can have major repercussions. When Shechem saw Dinah, the teenage daughter of Jacob, he was saturated with lust. Instead of redirecting his sexual energy, he gave his impulses full reign and proceeded to rape her.

 

Shechem allowed greed and lustful thoughts to have complete control and committed a terrible sin. Too late he realized there was more to Dinah than her sexual appeal. He permitted a destructive impulse to build a bridge of destruction to himself, his family and friends.

Dinah's brothers demanded revenge, so they created a trap of deception that permitted them to murder Shechem, his father and brothers. The entire population of the community was tainted by Shechem’s indiscretions. It’s important to accept the long-term penalties for submitting to distractions. We can do so by permitting the Holy Spirit to empower us with purpose and determination to stay true to God’s spiritual and social boundaries. 

Half-hearted Prophets and Compromised Faith - Part 3

Compromise can be seen as positive or negative.  Every soul has had to cope with its implications. Lawsuits are often settled by compromise. Without compromise, legislation would not become law. A popular song a few decades back had this haunting line, "I've done a load of compromising on the road to my horizons."

Balaam, an Old Testament personality compromised his belief in God on the road to his horizons. The book of Jude issues this warning. “Woe to those who blindly pursue wealth while disregarding God’s will and purpose for their lives.” Balaam needed power and recognition in addition to wealth. He flirted with evil by thinking he was above reaping evil’s penalties.

God's word tells you to resist compromising your faith, to resist Satan so he will flee from you. God sends warning signs when you begin to consider compromise and temptation.  God sent an angel to rebuke Balaam, but tragically his heart was unwilling to heed the angel’s words. Compromise can be resisted when you love God with all your heart, soul and mind.