Day 71: How to Trap a Skunk

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 11:5-6

Central Thought: Sin always traps the sinner

Skunks are cute animals. Cold black with a striking white streak down their back, they look like cuddly little creatures that invite someone to take them home. But don’t be fooled. A skunk can defend itself with the foulest of odors. And even if it never has to spew out its musk, it can do some serious damage. A hungry skunk may eat the produce in your garden, or it may try to attack your poultry. It may even decide to build its den under your house. And—worst of all—it may carry rabies.

How do you trap these smelly animals? The process is fairly simple. Buy a wire cage designed for that purpose. Put some bait inside the cage to lure the skunk; sardines or cat food will work. Then let nature take over. The little skunk, attracted by the food inside the cage, will soon find itself hopelessly trapped. And he will have no one to blame but himself and his appetite.

Something similar can happen to us humans. Sin uses our own desires to trap us (James 1:14). Proverbs 11:5-6 warns us that those who take part in wickedness will be trapped by that same wickedness.

How do we avoid this trap? The same verses tell us that living a life of godliness will rescue us from the trap that awaits the unfaithful.

Devotional Prayer: Help me, Lord, to avoid the trap brought on by sin.

Today’s Bible Reading: Numbers 15:17-16:40; Mark 15:1-47; Psalm 54:1-7; Proverbs 11:5-6