Yet the evil still increased, and, like the parasite of barnacles on a ship, if it did not destroy the structure, it obstructed its fair, comfortable progress in the path of life. —William Banting
The art of fishing is really all about the lure. If you can lure the fish to the hook thinking he’s about to have a meal, he’s going to get eaten instead. One of my favorite lures has a “treble hook”—three prongs all in one. If a fish takes it, whamo!
Sin is like a treble hook. Once you take the bait, sin snags you in three ways. Look at the original sin in Genesis when the woman took the bait of Satan’s lie.
When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. (Genesis 3:6)
What happened then? Whamo! They got hooked on the first hook: Shame.
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked… (Genesis 3:7)
Right after shame, they were pierced by blame.
The man said, “The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.”… The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” (Genesis 3:12-13)
It was a triple-blame game. The man blames the woman; he blames God, and she points the finger at Satan. Then, finally, they got snagged with consequences.
… with painful labor you will give birth to children … through painful toil … By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food … for dust you are and to dust you will return. (Genesis 3:16-19)
When Satan promises you something, it’s just a lure with a three-pronged hook in it—the hooks of shame, blame, and consequences. With what specific temptations are you being baited right now? Do you see the three hidden hooks of sin waiting?
Father, give me insight to see through the lies of sin. Spare me from the shame, blame, and consequences of the sin that so easily entangles me. Amen.