Proverb 1:10

“My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent.”

If? Yes, I am enticed [attracted or tempted by the offering of pleasure or advantage]. 
Often.

And when I am, this Proverb instructs me not to consent or “give permission for something to happen.”

The command is simple, yet we all know obedience is not. Without the influence of Christ on my life, I am more apt to consent and then return, like a dog, to my vomit (Proverbs 26:11). The extent of consent grows proportionate to the guilt that takes up residence in my heart. It eats away at the fruit that the God of the universe worked to cultivate despite my contamination. Rot and decay multiply and consume every sign of life that’s left in me. It’s slow and painful and addictive.

Changing course midstream is near impossible. So it’s best just not to consent up front as the Proverb suggests. 

I’m reminded that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.”(James 1:14-15)

Desire is that funny little thing that’s seemingly good. It’s enticing. It gives the illusion that it satisfies. But when it comes down to it, desire leads to the aforementioned destruction and leaves us feeling empty and isolated.

That is why, in his letter, James cautions us: “do not be deceived my beloved brethren.” (1:16)

Desire is deceptive, unless it’s inside the parameters of God’s design.

Perhaps I don’t consult Him enough. I suppose I should inquire more of his design. And instead of consenting to sin, I bet I would learn to consent to Him, exchanging the perpetual negativity for a renewed mind.