Are you the fish...

Job 15:31 Let him not deceive himself by trusting what is worthless, for he will get nothing in return.

Bryan and I were surf fishing a couple of weeks ago when thousands and I mean thousands of birds were chasing bait fish just on the other side of the beach sandbar. I had never seen that many birds chasing bait let alone almost within casting distance. The water was churning with bait trying to swim away, as the birds kept coming in and diving into the water.

Once the waters were stirred up and the bait was on the move, the fishing seemed to pick up a bit. It appeared that the fish couldn’t tell the difference between the bait that were swimming for their lives and the one that was dangling from my hook.

If you think about it, fishing is all about deception. When we fish, we try to trick the fish into biting our bait or lure in the hope that we can catch a trophy. It would be great for us when we land that trophy; but from the fish’s perspective, it’s definitely not so great. He thought he was getting a meal. Instead, he would become a meal.

How often are we deceived in our lives by trusting the worthless bait of the world? How often do we try to reach and take hold of what is worthless–material things–when all the while the truly valuable things of God are already available for us? Do not be deceived. Don’t fall for worthless bait. Before you even realize it’s happening, you may find yourself hooked and trapped in sin.

Luke 21:8 He replied: Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.