falling prey

This morning was a first — a sharp-shinned hawk perched on a large, low branch of the locust bean tree that grows barely 15 feet from my patio. The weather was cool and cloudy and I found it odd to see such a predator in the middle of the city.

The usual backyard birds were conspicuously absent. Maybe they knew enough to stay away from this ruffian, but one tiny finch fluttered nearby. The hawk showed no apparent interest. Soon the finch came within a few inches of the hawk and in a strike as quick as lightening the hawk captured that poor tiny finch in its claws.

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I thought, How often am I like that innocent little finch, ignorant of the danger that lurks nearby waiting and watching for me to draw close?

Sin is like that hawk. It looks beautiful and harmless, disinterested in us. We mistakenly think we can get close without becoming its prey. But before we realize it, sin has clutched us and we are captive.

“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16

We live in a world filled with sin. An attitude of “how close can I get without falling prey?” compromises a holy life. We must be wise enough to recognize sin and flee when temptation flies in and perches next to us.

So how do we gain that wisdom?

• Ask for it. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5, NLT)
• Read the Bible
• Study the Bible
• Attend church and learn from the pastor
• Read other books about God by Christian authors

The choice is ours to make. Will we flutter around the hawk or be wise as serpents?

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13, NLT).

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Debra L. Butterfield is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She is the author of Help! My Husband Has Sexually Abused Our Daughter, and editor and publisher of the webzine Glory and Strength.com.