A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
By Chaz Oswald, Michigan
There are many hunted species in the state of Michigan. But the one that intrigues me the most is the black bear. It is a beautiful animal that any hunter, after a stealthy kill, would be proud to display in his home. One technique for catching such a bear is to set metal trappings with scraps of what the black bear enjoys eating as bait. This metal trapping is a gruesome piece of machinery that has the appearance of a giant claw. It is bolted to the ground and snags the prey as quickly as the bear begins to indulge in the enticement laid before him.
Just like the hunter laying bear trap, Satan uses enticements to ensnare Christians. We must not only be vigilant against the traps he laid, but also be aware of the bait he uses—one of which is the world.
Our world has several role models who are poor in quality. Many celebrities and so-called “national idols” indulge in worldly pleasures and lusts. They are led by selfish desires that give way to sinful decisions. These decadent lifestyles are glamorized and telecast through various news mediums into the eyes and ears of our young generation. As a result, right moral behaviors are often deemed as boring and wrong is seen as exciting.
The world says to our generation that lying is okay as long as it is a white lie. We are led to believe that sex is permissible outside of marriage and there is nothing wrong with pre-marital sex or adultery. Abortions are seen as a convenient way to get rid of “unwanted baggage.” We believe in lucky pennies, daily horoscopes, bent spoons, and UFO’s. We believe that Jesus was a good man just like Buddha, Mohammad, and ourselves. We believe Jesus “was a good moral teacher although we think His good morals were really bad. We believe that all religions are basically the same . . . they all believe in love and goodness” (Steve Turner, English Journalist, “Creed”). We have been deceived into believing that whoever dies with the most toys—cars, houses, lovers, and money—wins.
In essence, loving this world seems like an enchanting love story—just like a Disney fairytale. But be warned. What lies beneath the sweet allure is nothing but deception, lies, and filth when seen through the lens of Scriptures. The Bible says in 1 John 2:15-17, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world— the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
The Scriptural command to resist the temptations of the world is clear. Yet, how are we to truly oppose our sinful nature that seems so set on craving after sin? We are told to put on the full armor of God. As mortals, we need God’s divine guidance, nature, and power to lead us against the dominion of darkness. God’s armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the sandals of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. We put on God’s armor by spending time in prayer with Him, by listening to Him through reading the Bible, by attending church, meeting in fellowship with other believers, and through following His statutes and laws.
In closing, let us put on the Lord’s armor daily. Resist the devil’s trap, and do what is biblically right.
This is very true. It reminds me of a book my brother was reading, Its called ‘Prepare for war.’ He was so fascinated by the book that we ended up discussing it for hours. Long story, short, the book basically talks about preparing for spiritual battle.It encourages Christians not to give in to the enemy but to seek for God’s face. Reading your text and remembering the discussion I had with my brother, what you say is true. The devil uses ingenious ways to trap individuals.As you’ve said, the world for instance. He has utilized the TV sets very effectively. What is glamorized isn’t Bible tales but drugs, alcohol etc. According to this book, the author states that the devil has studied us for over 6000 years and he has a pretty good idea of what our desires are. He manipulates that to his advantage.
More often we fall in his trap. I, for instance, realized that everytime I wished that we lived in a bigger house or drive some huge car, I was slowly giving into my desires. It took me a while to realize that what the world has to offer really doesn’t matter coz it all fades away. It is not eternal. I never used to get it before but I finally understand it. What should be our burning desire is God. We should want him more than anything else on earth or in heaven. Once you experience his love the need for earthly desires ceases.
God has given us sufficient grace to overcome temptations. I shall continue to put on the whole armor of God everyday as opposed to forgetting sometimes.