Together in Christ: 'Held Captive!' — Proverbs 5:22-23

James paints a very vivid picture of the bondage that comes when our hearts give way to evil, and we become evil like the people about whom Solomon spoke in our verses on relationships today:

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. ^[1]

Evil people lose themselves to the "ropes that catch and hold" them captive. They become enslaved to their sin. ^[2] Their loss of self-control is also their loss of freedom. With this loss of freedom, they also lose their life of purpose, meaning, and relationship that God intended them to have from conception. ^[3] Christ died to set us free from the bondage of sin and its slavery. ^[4]

But, how does understanding these truths impact our relationships?

We can be easily led astray by seeing the success of evil people and envy what they have, and begin to emulate their ways. Before long, we are on the road that leads to bondage to sin and spiritual death. We need firm, faithful friends who can lovingly "carefront" us about our sinful ways and call us back to God. ^[5] In addition, we need to focus our hearts on Jesus and strengthen our relationship with Him. Focusing on Jesus helps us find the freedom to become the people God created us to become. ^[6] Finally, our closest friendships need to be with believers who share our values and help us focus on eternal things and not earthy things that are perishing. ^[7]