We have an enemy who wants to deceive us and induce us to commit sin. He is hoping once we are entrapped in our sin, we will feel hopeless and ashamed. His strategy is to convince us this time we have sinned so deeply there is no forgiveness.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
1 Peter 5:8 New King James Version
Who can he devour? Don’t let it be you!
Often the enemy knows how to trick us because we have said out loud what issues trip us up. Sometimes, his traps are not obvious. We’ve been talking about soul clutter; and sometimes our souls have been trapped into wanting more instead of appreciating what we already have.
So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:8-10 New Living Translation
Wanting more?
The Passion Translation of this passage explains some people spend so much of their efforts chasing after more they have given up their faith.
The antidote to striving for more is appreciating what we already have.
God has richly blessed His children; daily thanking Him for His provision helps gratitude to grow.
It’s not wrong to be a go-getter, but the believer’s end goal should be running our race well and becoming more like Christ. Whatever perks we receive along the way is just a bonus.
Be vigilant, recognize the trap
Sometimes, aligning with the wrong people can lead to a trap. It’s dangerous to trust others instead of seeking God first about everything.
The book of Proverbs has some good advice about traps we can identify and take to heart.
Financial agreements – Proverbs 6:1-3
Seducing flattery – Proverbs 7:21-23
Ambition – Proverbs 11:5-7
Words we say – Proverbs 12:13, Proverbs 12:13
Rash promises – Proverbs 20:24-25
Lying to make money – Proverbs 21:5-7
Setting traps for others – Proverbs 26:26-28
Leading someone into evil – Proverbs 28:9-11
Flattery – Proverbs 29:4-6
Fear of others – Proverbs 29:25
This is serious stuff
Keep your eyes open as you seek God, but you don’t have to live in fear.
You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
for the Lord is your security.
He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Proverbs 3:25-26 New Living Translation
I think we can all agree life is not always easy
There are pitfalls aplenty to fall into if we are not paying attention. But the believer who makes it a practice to daily give God thanks, read His Word, and pray to seek His will, will be much more likely to avoid the traps and snares of the enemy.
Hey! I’m on a journey. I don’t pretend I’m doing all this perfectly. I’m sharing the goals and dreams I have in my heart in this series, “A Rich and Satisfying Life.” This is day fifteen of examining a life free from the clutter of both wrong thoughts, attitudes, expectations, and too-full calendars, as well as physical clutter. You can click here to see all the links to the series.
This series is part of a Write28Days challenge sponsored by Anita Ojeda. The challenge is now over, but I am still working at the goal of writing 28 times on my subject.
All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy.
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I’m sharing this post at the following communities: Let’s Have Coffee, Grace & Truth, Inspire Me Monday, Tell His Story, InstaEncouragements Link-Up, Tune In Thursday
We have to be so diligent in questioning our hearts desires against God’s character to not fall into those traps, don’t we? It is easier said than done, though, in our world that honours much that is not of God. I know I slip into the enemies traps and thankful for Him pulling me out (even though it can be painful). Congrats on completing 28 day challenge, too!
Thanks, Lynn! It’s so important to examine ourselves from time to time. Motive matters! We don’t often realize what our mindset truly is until we stop to think about it.
“The antidote to striving for more is appreciating what we already have.” This simple reminder stands out to me… thanks for sharing, Jerralea! 🤗
Thanks, Laura! I think that phrase ended up being the key phrase of my blogpost.
I’m a big proponent of appreciation!
Yes—such good reminders! We must daily put on the full Armor of God so we can be on the offense against the Enemy.
Yes, we must be vigilant! We can let down our guard when we get Home.
We have to guard our ways and thinking as deception is a slippery slope. It starts ever so slowly. May we be faithful to make it a daily practice to spend time with God.
Amen! We have to keep our focus on Jesus at ALL times!
Thanks for coming by, Joanne!
My own blog is along the same lines this week. I am struck by how often a theme emerges amongst Christian bloggers from week to week -praise and thanksgiving for what we already have-indeed!
I know, right! Must be the Holy Spirit at work, inspiring the blogging community!
Thanks for droppin in, Jan!
Thank you for these great reminer Jerri. We must pray for discernment.
Yes, indeed, Paula. We are all susceptible to being fooled. We have to have discernment.
Thanks for coming, Paula.
So true: “It’s not wrong to be a go-getter, but the believer’s end goal should be running our race well and becoming more like Christ. Whatever perks we receive along the way is just a bonus.”
Thanks for dropping in, Lisa. I have to remind myself of my end goal all the time. Life sends too many distractions!
What an interesting way to unpack this thought about entrampment by the enemy. Such a good and needed message. I loath the thought of the enemy having power over me. That’s why we must pay attention and “stay alert.” Because it’s so easy to let our guard down. I particularly like how you added the list from Proverbs on what often gets us into trouble.