I learned how to hunt a monkey. Trust me, I have something for this.
The Hunter digs a hole in a mound, or ties a jar to a tree. Then places various enticing treats sure to draw the monkeys attention. The hole is wide enough to fit its empty hand into, yet not wide enough to be escaped with a hand full of food. The whole time, the monkey sees the trap being set, yet it has already decided to succumb to its curiosity.
The Hunter now steps away. Not far though, theres no need to, the monkeys curiosity is too much. The monkey now approaches and reaches in for the bait, and once he grabs hold he is trapped. The only thing keeping him trapped is his unwillingness to let go. Once the Hunter approaches, it is now too late.
Gods word teaches us that the enemy, Satan, roams the earth as a lion, searching for whomever he can devour. Paul also teaches us that God is not our tempter. Satan is the one who leads us into temptation, and once he sets the trap, we can choose to take the bait or walk away.
Our sinful nature craves pleasures, so satan presents us with drugs and alcohol to satisfy our highs, and pornography to satisfy our physical cravings. And we continue to fall for the traps. These however are not his only tricks.
A similar lesson i have learned comes from the TV show Hoarders.
The theme of this show follows the secret lives of people who excessively collect clutter, stacking it to the ceiling and often times making whole rooms inaccessible. Many times it threatens their relationships with family, friends, and in extreme situations, it threatens their very lives.
The beautiful thing about this show is that their secrets are always exposed and they are given a chance to let go of the garbage destroying their lives. At the end of the episodes, we see their newly decluttered homes. A clean welcoming home. They are given a new start in their life.
Its truly incredible to see the transformations they go through.
This is what Jesus does for us. He comes in when we are destroying our own lives, and offers us a chance to let go of everything and follow him. He gives us a new life, a new start.
Its still hard for me not to pick something shiny up, metaphorically speaking. The Lord has taught me that things may look enticing, but it may not be healthy for me.
If there is a trap you know you are falling for, or if youre holding onto something that is destroying you, then now is the time to let go. Jesus is giving you the opportunity to start fresh. Take it!
I thank God for these lessons and these words. All glory, honorand praise be to God. I truly hope this has touched someones heart. I bless you for reading this. Thank you.
