In the book Where the Red Fern Grows, Billy caught his first raccoon by using a method his grandpa taught him. He drilled holes in logs, drove nails pointing inward, and placed shiny objects in the holes. A curious raccoon would be able to slide his paw in and grab the objects, but the shape of his fist prevented him from removing it. I have read monkeys can be caught in a similar way. Once the raccoon grabs on to the object he wants, he won't let go - even if it kills him. If animals could think things through like a person, maybe they would let go. But taking into considering the decisions people make, however, maybe they wouldn't.
We fancy ourselves intelligent, but we can be foolish as senseless beasts. We bring all sorts of mischief upon ourselves because we forget to heed God's wisdom. We can resemble the pitiful raccoon whose greed is the source of those sharp nails digging into his paw. After informing Timothy godliness with contentment is great gain, Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:8-10: "And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and greed for gain pierces men through with many sorrows. The moment we stray from faith in God and His Word we are in serious trouble, ensnared by our own lusts.
I wonder: how many of our sorrows are self-inflicted? How many of our wounds we blame on others or circumstances we are solely responsible for? If the raccoon did not desire the food or shiny bits in the trap, he would remain free. It is his lust which wounds him; it is his stubborn desire which slays him. When we refuse to let go of sins and lusts which wound the soul we deliberately head towards ruin. We must completely release the object of our desire before we can be freed. God desires that we willingly and obediently surrender the desire to be rich, trusting in His provision for our lives. Having great wealth is no sin, but coveting riches is a snare which has destroyed many. May our hearts be purified before God and our hands open and clean, praising God for His goodness and abundant provision.
We fancy ourselves intelligent, but we can be foolish as senseless beasts. We bring all sorts of mischief upon ourselves because we forget to heed God's wisdom. We can resemble the pitiful raccoon whose greed is the source of those sharp nails digging into his paw. After informing Timothy godliness with contentment is great gain, Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:8-10: "And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and greed for gain pierces men through with many sorrows. The moment we stray from faith in God and His Word we are in serious trouble, ensnared by our own lusts.
I wonder: how many of our sorrows are self-inflicted? How many of our wounds we blame on others or circumstances we are solely responsible for? If the raccoon did not desire the food or shiny bits in the trap, he would remain free. It is his lust which wounds him; it is his stubborn desire which slays him. When we refuse to let go of sins and lusts which wound the soul we deliberately head towards ruin. We must completely release the object of our desire before we can be freed. God desires that we willingly and obediently surrender the desire to be rich, trusting in His provision for our lives. Having great wealth is no sin, but coveting riches is a snare which has destroyed many. May our hearts be purified before God and our hands open and clean, praising God for His goodness and abundant provision.
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