The Alley of Darkness

“I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who lacked judgment. He was going down the street near her corner, walking in the direction of her house…Then out came the woman to meet him…now in the square, at every corner she lurks. She took hold of him…All at once he followed her…to the slaughter…into a noose…darting into a snare…cost him his life.” Prov. 7.

Who is this woman? She is the temptress of extramarital affairs. She is around every corner in her world just waiting for someone to turn down her street. She does not have the freedom to move out into our light but rather lurks in the darkness of our hearts and minds. She preys on the vulnerable who have lost their way, their judgment and their devotion to self and God. She answers to the highest power of the lowest spirit – Satan.

He uses her to the best of his ability in seducing God’s children into the dark alley. Together, they set up circumstances that will target the weak, the lonely and the vulnerable. They send out dizzying sirens that woo the wounded in spirit by providing comfort in appropriate relationships. They do not make it obvious at first but through the subtle and enticing hints of flirting, off-color teasing and inappropriate affection, the breeding ground is fertile. ‘Satan knows full well that God wants to present His Son with a pure, spotless, virgin bride, so he’s doing everything he can to defile her.’ Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things.’ P. 86.

Many of these things occur and are stored in the secret places of our hearts and minds. Satan will always drop anchor in our secret places. Christians cannot give Satan any stronghold in this subject. We must live 1 Co. 6:18 lives out loud! ‘Flee from sexual immortality.’ King David was known to be a man after God’s own heart and deemed unparalleled in his love and devotion to God, and yet he was caught in this seduction. God will forgive all sins but He also gives us a way out prior to our sin. ‘No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ 1 Co. 10:13. This does not mean we will never yield to temptation but rather through repentance to God and turning away from continuing in those actions we will be able to stand up instead of being under it.

Safeguard yourselves by establishing and paying attention to the kinds of boundaries that provide protection against the seducer and his agents. Always confide in a Christian confidante the instant you experience any emotion that you are tempted to hide. Read the Word of God on this subject the moment inappropriate feelings emerge. If you have turned down her street, do not feel alone because God is still right by your side. Look to Him, grab His hand and let Him lead you back out into the Light – remember, she cannot follow you there.

We are in a battle and nothing is off limits to Satan. His greatest goal is to defile the bride of Christ – the church and the people who make up the church.