The following is a devotion from my message series 10 Steps to Freedom. I hope these devotionals help you experience lasting freedom in Jesus!

STEP EIGHT: day 3          

Establish guardrails to protect your freedom

In Proverbs 7, King Solomon gives a powerful real life illustration of what happens when we don’t establish guardrails in our lives:

At the window of my house I looked down through the lattice. I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. He was going down the street near her corner, walking along in the direction of her house at twilight, as the day was fading, as the dark of night set in. Then out came a woman to meet him, dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent. She took hold of him and kissed him and with a brazen face she said: “Today I fulfilled my vows, and I have food from my fellowship offering at home. So I came out to meet you; I looked for you and have found you! I have covered my bed with colored linens from Egypt. I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning; let’s enjoy ourselves with love! My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. He took his purse filled with money and will not be home till full moon.” With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say. Do not let your heart turn to her ways or stray into her paths. Proverbs 7:6-25

The moral of the story? What should have been his guardrail? Don’t walk down her street! Once he ignored that guardrail, the rest was tragically predictable.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. Has there been a time when you failed to establish guardrails in your life? What was the result?
2. What are some guardrails you currently have established in your life that are protecting you from serious harm or bad decisions?

You can read other devotional entries for 10 Steps to Freedom here.