1 John 2:16 “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”
If you want to catch a fish you need to use bait!
I don’t know much about fishing, but the few times I’ve tried the rod, reel, and bait were crucial to my success. Night crawlers were the usual type of lure for me, but this weekend I received an education on the numerous different types of baits that can attract a variety of fish.
We arrived at the Indian Lake Bait and Tackle shop early on Saturday morning. The store was going out of business and we were called to sell out the inventory. After setting up our auction computers, I took some time to peruse the numerous baits and lures that lined the wall. There were fluorescent minnows, worms, caterpillars, colorful hooks, and even a bag of Wild Cat Blood. There were bobbers, nets, rods, and boxes to hold glowworms, mealworms, softcraws, leeches, shad guts, and more. I was amazed at the wide variety of items, all for the purpose of luring fish to the hook.
I am very thankful I am not a fish! It sounds like a very dangerous life with all the avid fishermen in the area. But the human race also lives a dangerous life. There are various types of baits that lure us into a death trap. The Bible calls these attractions the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life.
Though these attractions may look enticing, they are not of the Father. They are of the world and are the bait of the evil one. So keep your eyes wide open and be aware. These lures are not only for physical acts but also internal thoughts and attitudes.
The Lust of the Flesh: Selfish or greedy cravings to satisfy one’s physical desires outside of the will of God. For instance, we live in a world where sexual impurity in thought and action is a constant struggle, and sex outside of God’s plan for marriage is rampant. The movies are full of it, the computer corrupted with it – temptation is everywhere you go. Beware of these types of lusts. Stay clear of this lure!
The Lust of the Eyes: The desire to acquire all that we may see. Every day we are confronted with bigger and better stuff. It is easy to be drawn into the trap of materialism. We see what others have and think we will be happy if we only have the next thing. We become dissatisfied so easily with the blessings we have as our eyes are constantly drawn to the bigger and better. Beware of being obsessed with the things you see. Stay clear of this lure!
The Boastful Pride of Life: The inward or outward pride in possessions or status. Humans tend to want to build themselves up. Especially in America the need to be “#1” is emphasized. Often we do this by putting others down and exaggerating our importance. Beware of thinking of yourself too highly than you should. Stay clear of this lure!
No matter who you are, these enticements are a constant danger. The one who thinks he is free from the pitfall of these lures should take heed. Fish are caught with all sorts of bait.
So take heed. When you are least expecting it the fluorescent glowworm that attracts your attention may just be hiding a dangerous hook!
Love,
Mama
The title was the “bait” for this post! Whether you know it or not, you are becoming a master fisherwoman! Keep casting ! Just wanted to take a quick moment to say “Thank You” for these posts and your encouragement and reminders. It is so easy to fall prey and lose sight of all the blessings we have each moment of each day. Here’s to following the Son (sun) and listening to the birds!
Thank you so much, Holly. Encouragement is always a blessing. Have a wonderful day. You just made mine! 🙂