Have you ever had a mouse in your house? The sound of their tiny footsteps can be irritating and disgusting. No one wants to live with these unwanted guests. And when we finally catch them in a trap, we feel a sense of satisfaction and relief.
But what if I told you that you are the mouse and the devil is the one setting the trap? In this blog, we will discuss how to stay out of the trap and avoid falling into the enemy’s schemes. By seeing the trap, staying out of it, and focusing on our mission, we can lead a life free from offense.
Seeing the Trap
The first step to staying out of the trap is to see it. Just like when we spot a pothole on the road, if we can see the trap, we can avoid falling into it. In 2 Timothy 2, the Apostle Paul advises Timothy to have nothing to do with foolish ignorant controversies that breed quarrels.
Paul warns Timothy that there will be people who try to derail him and get him caught up in pointless arguments. He advises Timothy to focus on what really matters – knowing Jesus and communicating His love to others. We too must be wise and not get caught up in senseless disputes that only drain our energy and hinder our mission.
Staying Out of the Trap
The second step to staying out of the trap is to have the good sense to avoid it. Paul continues in 2 Timothy 2, instructing Timothy to be unoffendable, kind to everyone, able to teach, patient in enduring evil, and gentle in correcting opponents. These qualities are not just for pastors but can be applied to our everyday lives.
Offended people are always looking for a fight, whereas unoffendable people choose not to take the bait. They are kind to everyone, even those who hurt them. They are able to teach without being stubborn and unwilling to listen. They patiently endure evil and correct opponents with gentleness.
Being unoffendable doesn’t mean we ignore injustice or avoid standing up for what is right. It means we pick our battles wisely and trust God to handle the rest. We don’t have to fight every fight that comes our way. Instead, we focus on representing Jesus well and spreading His love and truth.
Staying Focused on the Mission
The final step to staying out of the trap is to stay focused on the mission. In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul emphasizes the importance of being adaptable and flexible in order to reach others with the Gospel. He became all things to all men so that he might save some.
Our mission is to represent Jesus and share His love with others. This means not getting caught up in personal quarrels or taking offense at every little thing. When people hurl insults or try to bring us down, we can choose to respond with love and grace. By staying focused on the mission, we can be a light in the darkness and lead others to the truth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, staying out of the trap requires us to see the trap, stay out of it, and stay focused on our mission. We must be aware of the enemy’s schemes and avoid getting caught up in pointless arguments and offenses. Instead, we choose kindness, patience, and gentleness, allowing God to work through us to bring about His purposes.
Let us strive to live unoffendable lives, representing Jesus well and spreading His love to those around us. Together, we can make a difference and escape the snare of the devil. Are you ready to stay out of the trap?