The world is full of traps we cannot see. This could range from real dangers that we are about to encounter, or temptations presented by the devil.
How do we avoid falling into a trap that we have no physical knowledge of, until we find ourselves caught in it?
Place God's Will above Your Own
Traps often manifest from our personal desires. It is important to make sure we, as Christians, are placing God's will (biblical instruction) above our own, because until we do this we will simply be navigating blindly.
One of the critical things to remember in these times sprouts from Ecclesiastes chapter 2, where we are told that pleasures are meaningless. I believe that there is a special significance with Ecclesiastes as it tears apart the world as we know it and reverses the priorities 'of the world'.
I am reminded of Jesus words 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' (Matthew chapter 22, verse 37)
And just in case Christians need some extra incentive to turn from temptation, remember God rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews Chapter 11, verse 6) and put our faith in him first.
Listen to Conviction
Furthermore, we must be careful not to rush into doing something when we are unsure. Being concerned that the next step we're planning to take is a wrong one, then perhaps waiting it out and not going ahead immediately is a wiser path. We are warned in Proverbs chapter 6, verse 18: 'feet that are quick to rush into evil.' This is a pleasing word as it instructs we set aside time to test such an action.
Pray, Pray, Pray
Prayer has always been an essential component of our weaponry. Praying, asking for God to help us in decision-making, is Christian 101. Prayer is often speaking out load that which concerns us, which in turn clarifies for us which paths not to take. This is an open a line of communication.
Praying in all circumstances is lovely and it fulfils the commission to 'pray continually' given at the end of 1 Thessalonians.
Just a small thought to keep in the back of your mind: if we are not trying to build a relationship with God, which relationship are we building? Would we then be building one with the world? A priority for the Christian is maintaining a strong joyous relationship with God—helping to keep ourselves from doing wrong.
Read God's Word
Continue to increase knowledge of God and his ways by regularly reading the Bible. This is his source of instruction for us in this world. Putting this to good use is to benefit us in whatever situation comes our way.
Tim Robertson is from Sydney, and likes to write about recent learnings in the hope that other people may also benefit from them.
Tim Robertson's previous articles may be found at www.pressserviceinternational.org/tim-robertson.html