It is common for all to blame someone else. Perverts say that they rape women as they provoke them with their dress, speech or anything else. Nevertheless, God holds a person responsible, even when s/he yields to provocation. Moses was provoked and angered at the waters of Meribah. The Israelite made his life bitter, did not go well with Moses. He spoke and acted rashly, and he was punished. (Psalm 106:32-33)
Responsibility: Every human is responsible for his/her behaviour, reaction, words, and attitude. Since humans are created in the image of God, they are responsible beings. They cannot blame others for their inadequate behaviour. Everyone thinks and justifies that he is perfect and right, but God weighs the thoughts. (Proverbs 21:2)
Provoked: As all humans are sinners, there is always a possibility for others to provoke us to do something that is not right in the sight of God. Determination, not to be provoked by anyone or any situation, is essential to escape such traps for sin. In a world that is cursed by sin, provocations could come from any situation, at any time, through anybody. A disciple has to be on guard always.
Seduced: Satan uses many things to seduce a person to sin. He used the false promise of eyes being opened and becoming like gods to seduce Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. (Genesis 3:5) By seducing and victimising her, he blinded the eyes of the first couple and all humanity. (II Corinthians 4:4) Joseph refused to be seduced and ran away from Potiphar’s wife. (Genesis 39:12)
Deceived: Even when other people use flattery, lies, false evidence, or suppress facts…to deceive, a person deceived is responsible. The Gibeonites deceived Joshua into escaping God’s judgment. Without discernment from God, Joshua trusted them and swore in the Name of God to protect them and not destroy them. (Joshua 9:14-15) He was deceived as he lacked discernment, a gift of God. He did not seek the counsel of the Lord, but depended on his own intelligence, experience and judgment.
Am I determined not to be provoked, seduced or deceived?