If they say, "Come with us..." (Proverbs 1: 11)
Come with us. Oh, how appealing these words sound to the one who feels alone. To the soul who so stringently craves to feel a sense of belonging. Used to feeling worthless, unloved, tolerated by his peers but not truly wanted, his soul now trembles at the thought of being truly valued. His presence requested! Enjoyed! An intoxicating pleasure overwhems him. Me? They want me to come with them! he thinks, his mind wandering off into hopes and dreams that seem a step away from becoming reality.
They speak again and he's awoken from his daydreaming. "Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;" (Proverbs 1:11)
Oh, no! It makes him shiver. His sense of justice screams: No! He knows he should get away from these people, but...
Where should he go anyway? Back into loneliness and despair? Where no one really sees him, no one truly likes him, wants him, needs him?
The tension is tearing him in two. To give up his integrity - he despises that idea. But how much longer can he live like this? Maybe it's better to go with these guys... at least they want him.
.
It's not an easy choice. There are many who choose integrity but even more who crumble under the weight of pain. And it's an excruciating pain. To feel alone in this vast world, with no one seeing your worth.
But my friend, Someone wanted you so much that He decided He'd rather die than not be with you forever. You are not valuable because of who you are or something you've done, but in some mysterious way of love, God values you infinetly, as much as Himself and His own Son! He wants you. He loves you, and you belong with Him, forever. He'll never change his mind! How reassuring is that?! Now that's some real fulfillment of your need of belonging!
And I think it's obvious that you are infinitely more valued by the One who gave up His own life for you than by these people who invite you to join them in their wicked actions.
So, "my son, if sinners entice* you, Do not consent." (Proverbs 1:10)
* entice = attract or tempt by offering pleasure or advantage.