It happens. We all get into tempting situations that no matter how hard we try we can’t seem to shake loose the bondage. The devil makes it fun so there is a tendency to return to the temptation because it has become a way of life. It’s uncomfortable to walk away because everything is brand new and unfamiliar. It’s human nature to want familiarity because it is a comfort nest. However the comfort nest is only an illusion and it comes with big consequences later. There are many traps of false comfort coming in the form of people, places and things.
Material things are a huge snare for a lot of people. There is no time to enjoy the quietness and stillness of being alone with God. The new boat, new cell phone, or new house on the lake has become a trap. All efforts revolve around these things. As time progresses the possessions become what possesses us. While our focus is on these things, more important things pass by and later the consequence comes from not being aware of the things that really mattered.
There are places of business or a neighborhood where we live that draw us. Things are always changing all around yet a particular building or house is like a magnet. The owner of the company changes and the type of business that is conducted is totally different yet we want to stay in a certain spot and not move ahead. Certain childhood homes are hard to give up because of memories but that’s all it is now, memories. All the people have moved on yet we are held back in life because we are in bondage to the past. We eventually miss out on the rewards that come from growing.
What about people in our lives. The school girl crush where many hours are spent on the phone or internet trying to keep up with this certain someone who doesn’t know we exist. Many of us get trapped by a person of a narcissist spirit, one who lives a lie and makes himself sound like royalty. Words are so smooth it creates a trap of wanting to hear more and more. After a while we realize the people we have missed knowing.
How do we break away from these entrapments? How do we quit desiring to return to them?
Trust God first of all. Cling to what is true and remain focused on the promises and instructions in the Bible. The biggest mistake we make is to try to do on our own the things only God can do. Only God can break a cycle of habit that is a constant luring trap. When the urge is there to return to the temptation it’s time to run the other way. Run to God’s arms. No habit is easy to break but it’s easy if we create a new habit. Are we tempted right now to pick up the phone to entertain thoughts of that tempting person? Run to the Bible instead. Run to a loving mentoring friend. It’s time to get busy going about our Lord’s work. God will see to it the proper people are sent at the right time. Are we tempted to not leave a particular position or building? Run and don’t look back. Looking back keeps creating this glue. Looking forward and pressing onward is the answer. Are material things in the way? It’s time to include others.
A blessing is ours as we move toward the loving arms of Jesus Christ. All else is loss.
Proverbs 4:11-13 New Living Translation
I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble. Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
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