Jeremiah said concerning enemies: “they have dug a pit for my life...For they have dug a pit to take me, and hidden snares for my feet” (Jer. 18:20,22).

There are dangerous pitfalls that God’s enemies have dug for those who seek to follow Him. They appeal to our lusts and look so enticing when we first see them. Notice some of them.

“I’ll try anything once.” This has often been used to ensnare souls. The drunkard was just going to try it once. The drug addict did not begin with the intention of becoming enslaved. He could handle it. Many unwed mothers just wanted to try it once. The AIDS victim may have taken only one chance, but that one exposure may cost his life.

“I don’t see any harm in it.” Instead of being evidence of no danger, this may be a pitfall that is most dangerous. The danger that is obvious is not as apt to ensnare as the danger that is disguised. The hidden dangers are what wrecks ships as well as lives. To every offer of pleasure, we should ask: (1) Would Christ have me do this, or is it compromising my life as a Christian? (2) Is it destructive to my influence as a child of God? (3) Is it pure and helpful, or is it wrong or questionable? (4) What is the tendency of this action? Is this what I want to do with my life?

“I don’t believe in Puritanical restraints.” Those who wish to engage in immorality often speak in disrespectful terms about those who have respect for moral standards. It may be that some have gone to extremes, but that does not justify the rejection of reasonable restraints. You do not have to use King James language to have your “speech seasoned with salt,” but that does not justify ungodly speech. You do not have to turn your head and walk into walls to avoid looking at a member of the opposite sex, but that does not justify willfully putting yourself in situations that invite compromise. You do not have to be covered from shoulders to ankles to be dressed modestly, but that does not justify attire that is designed to produce lust.

“Everyone else is doing it.” This snare has entrapped many young people and many older ones who ought to know better. It may seem that everybody is doing it because the immoral ones are often the loud-mouths who boast about ungodliness. Have you ever heard your peers bragging about not drinking, or not smoking, or not committing fornication? Even if it appears that everyone is doing it, that does not make the action acceptable to the one who will judge us.

The direction we travel determines the destination we will reach. Those who sow wild oats will reap accordingly. Those who neglect spiritual things do not become spiritually minded. Remember, it is following the path of least resistance that makes rivers, and men, crooked. Set your standards by God’s word and paddle against the current of ungodliness.