Trapped

…let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 (NIV)

 Props: sign that says “Don’t feed the alligators,” picture of an alligator

             In my backyard is a small pond.  It’s so beautiful to look at; I enjoy sitting on the back porch in the morning or evening and looking at the water.  However, we’ve had a little problem lately.  There are alligators in the pond.  (Show picture of alligator).  You should never come close to an alligator.  And you should especially never feed an alligator.  Feeding a gator is very dangerous because then when it sees people it thinks, “Yummy!  Food!”  It will take a chunk out of your arm or leg and it could even kill you.  There have been people who have died from alligator attacks in our area. 

            The managers of our apartment complex put up big signs beside the pond that say, “DO NOT FEED THE ALLIGATORS!”  Sadly, not everyone pays attention to those signs.  They think, “I’ve never been bitten by an alligator.  It will be alright if I give the gator just a little snack.”  They just don’t care. 

            God gives you warning signs, also.  He can see the dangers of the enemy and the tricks he tries to play on you.  So God warns you to run away from temptation and evil.  He warns you to pay attention and do what is right. 

            The devil knows if he can get you to “fall asleep” spiritually, you won’t pay attention to God’s warning signs.  God says watch out for people who lead you in the wrong direction.  He says make sure you are obedient.  He warns you to pay attention to His Word.  There are many warning signs in His Word.  But the devil wants to make you think you can relax and not pay attention to what God says.  You might get away with it for a little while, but sooner or later it will catch up with you.  WAKE UP!  Wake up and escape the traps of the enemy.  You snooze, you lose.  Wake up before it’s too late.