Which Master Do You Serve

By Sean Sears, pastor of Grace Church, Avon, MA

Read Proverbs 5.

If there were a theme for the fifth chapter of Proverbs, it would have to be something about the dangers of immorality. I’m not sure anyone would disagree with the reminder that adultery is a sin and it leads to disgrace. I find the descriptive detail of the regret and shame that accompany this particular sin heartbreaking, especially considering the author’s inclination. If anyone knew, it would be Solomon.

However, it’s the last three verses of this chapter I want to highlight. Read verses 21-23 again.

The reminder that God sees the sins that others haven’t seen is sobering. He knows what we’ve done, even if we’ve concealed our transgression from others. How often have I sinned and, having looked over my shoulder and not seen anyone, thought I had gotten away with it?

Some sins seem to entrap me. Sins that I have battled for decades. Sins I’ve blamed on others. Sins from which I’ve felt powerless to break free. According to Solomon, those sins control me because of the choices I have made and continue to make. The ropes that bind me to that sin are the ropes I’ve chosen to tie around my heart every single time I give in to that sin.

It seems my greatest problem is not my “besetting sin” as much as my lack of self-control. Click To Tweet

It seems my greatest problem is not my “besetting sin” as much as my lack of self-control. As another proverb teaches, my foolishness is returning to my sin like a dog to its vomit. The Apostle Paul also teaches that I am a slave to the master I choose with every choice I make, every day. One master leads to my ruin and the Other to God’s glory. You and I get to choose, today, who gets to be our Master.

Reflective Questions: 

1. What do you believe are the potential dangers to allowing yourself to give in to a specific sin so frequently?
2. What excuses do you make when frustrated with how often that sin seems to shape your decisions? 
3. What is one new scripture reference you should memorize as a trigger to remind you of the consequences you mentioned in the first question?

Memory Verse:

For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He ponders all his paths. Proverbs 5:21

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for seeing clearly all that I have done and loving me anyway. Help me to have more self-control as I battle the temptations I face every day.

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