As Christians, we are called to live a life that is pleasing to God and to avoid the things that could lead us astray. Unfortunately, life is filled with snares that can entrap us and keep us from fulfilling God’s plan for our lives. Snares are things that hold us back and keep us from doing good, leading us to damage and loss of liberty.
These snares can take many different forms, from addictions and bad habits to negative thought patterns that prevent us from seeing the world in a positive light.
They can also come in the form of people or situations that exert a negative influence on us, leading us to make poor choices or to engage in behavior that is not in line with our values.
In this article, we will explore some of the snares we should avoid as Christians, as indicated in different versions of the Bible.
The Snare of Evil Companionship
The company we keep can have a profound impact on our lives, and we must be careful not to surround ourselves with people who will lead us astray. The Bible warns us about the snare of evil companionship in Joshua 23:12-13, which advises against associating with wicked companions.” When we surround ourselves with people who do not share our values or who are engaged in sinful activities, we put ourselves in danger of being led astray.
The Snare of a Designing Enemy
The devil is always looking for ways to trap and ensnare us, and we must be vigilant against his schemes. The Bible warns us about the snare of a designing enemy in Psalm 91:3, which says, “For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.”
The devil is like a fowler who sets traps for birds, and we must be careful not to fall into his snares.
The devil’s traps are not always obvious. He can use subtle tactics that are hard to detect and may seem harmless at first. He can tempt us with things that appeal to our desires or fears, like money, power, or safety. He can also use distractions to keep us from focusing on God’s will, causing us to waste our time and energy on things that do not matter.
The Snare of the Wicked
- Those who forget God’s word and live in wickedness are also a snare for us. Psa_119:110 says, “The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.”
When we surround ourselves with people who do not respect God’s word and who engage in sinful activities, we put ourselves in danger of being led astray.
The Bible warns us about the dangers of bad company. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” It is essential to surround ourselves with people who share the same values and beliefs as us.
This is because the people we spend time with can have a significant impact on our lives. They can either encourage us to grow in faith or lead us down a path of destruction.
The Snare of the Proud and Froward
Pride and stubbornness can also be a snare for us. Psa_140:5 says, “The proud have hidden a trap for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set snares for me.” Pro_22:5 also warns us about the snare of the proud and froward, saying, “Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.”
Pride and stubbornness are two traits that stem from the same root: a sense of self-importance or entitlement. While it is important to have a healthy sense of self-worth, when this sense of self-importance becomes inflated, it can lead to a dangerous sense of arrogance.
Arrogance can cause us to become blinded to our own weaknesses and flaws, making it difficult for us to learn from our mistakes or accept constructive criticism from others. This can lead us to make poor decisions and choices that ultimately harm ourselves and those around us.
Moreover, arrogance can also lead to a sense of entitlement, where we believe that we deserve special treatment or privileges based solely on our perceived status or accomplishments. This sense of entitlement can lead us to become selfish and insensitive to the needs and feelings of others, ultimately damaging our relationships and our overall sense of well-being.
When we become consumed with our own importance, we may begin to overlook the contributions of those around us, and fail to recognize the value of teamwork and collaboration.
The Snare of the Fleshly Woman
The temptation of the flesh can be a snare for both men and women. Proverbs 7:23 warns us about the snare of the fleshly woman, saying, “Till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.” When we allow our desires to lead us astray, we put ourselves in danger of being ensnared by sin.
The lure of the flesh is not limited to just women, as men too can fall prey to this temptation. The Bible warns about the dangers of lust and its potential to lead us down a path of destruction.
Proverbs 6:25 says, “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.” This verse is a warning to men to guard their hearts and minds against the lure of a seductive woman.
However, it is important to note that the temptation of the flesh is not exclusive to sexual desires. It can manifest in various forms such as greed, gluttony, and pride. The fleshly desires that we have can lead us to make poor decisions that have far-reaching consequences.
The Snare of an Evil Time
Sometimes the culture and society we live in can be a snare for us. Ecc_9:12 warns us about the snare of an evil time, saying, “For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.” We must be careful not to be swayed by the opinions and values of the world around us.
The Snare of an Ungodly False Prophets
Finally, we must be wary of false teachers who claim to speak for God. These individuals often use scripture out of context or manipulate it to fit their own agenda, leading many astray from the true teachings of the Bible.
The apostle Peter warns us about such individuals in 2 Peter 2:1-3, stating that they will bring destructive heresies and many will follow their sensuality. Therefore, we must be vigilant in our pursuit of the truth and ensure that we are rooted in the Word of God to recognize false teachings and protect ourselves from being led astray.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, snares are present in our daily lives and can take many forms, including evil companionship, designing enemies, the wicked who forget God’s Word, the proud and froward, the fleshly woman, an evil time, and ungodly prophets.
However, we can avoid falling into these snares by seeking the Lord, relying on His guidance and strength, being vigilant in our pursuit of the truth, and remaining rooted in His Word. As we do so, we can navigate through life with wisdom, discernment, and integrity, ultimately bringing glory to God and fulfilling His perfect will for our lives.
