“But you trusted in your own beauty, played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your harlotry on everyone passing by who would have it.” (Ezekiel 16:15, NKJV)

Because Jerusalem was His beloved bride, God gave her everything. He lavished His blessings on her and beautified her with expensive clothing, jewelry and a crown so that she became famous among the nations. But she trusted in her own beauty rather than trusting in the LORD. She followed the customs of the surrounding nations and even worshiped their gods. Because of her lust she committed adultery, pouring out her harlotry on everyone who would have it. But was she sorrowful? Was she repentant?

“This is the way of an adulteress: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, ‘I have done no wrong.’” (Proverbs 30:20, ESV)

Compromise begins when people trust in themselves rather than trusting in the LORD. They follow their own hearts rather than following the Word. Eventually the Jews were worshiping at the pagan high places and even sacrificing their own sons and daughters in the fire, but thinking nothing of it! They had forgotten the days of their youth when they were naked and struggling in their blood. They had taken for granted what God had done for them and all that He had given them. They should have humbled themselves before the LORD’s rebuke, but instead they became more determined in their rebellion and increasingly promiscuous.

Therefore, God stretched out His hand against them and gave them over to the Philistines, the Assyrians, and the Babylonians. They became slaves in the homes of their illicit lovers. Sin is costly!

Paul warned Timothy:

“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22, NKJV)