Mousetraps

Read

Hebrews 12:16 “Make sure that no one is immoral orgodless like Esau.”

Think

Have you ever heard the saying, "There's always free cheese in the mousetrap"? Well, a few years ago, I learned this the hard way with a furry intruder in my attic. I set a trap, baited with cheese, and sure enough, the mouse couldn’t resist. It went straight for it—just once, though. This little episode got me thinking about how we, much like that mouse, often go after quick rewards without considering the risks.

Albert Einstein made a poignant observation: “Mankind invented the bomb, but no mouse would ever construct a mousetrap.” It's a clever way of saying that we humans are experts at tempting fate, often trading long-term benefits for immediate satisfaction. This is especially true in how we sometimes forsake vital things like sobriety for momentary pleasures, setting traps for ourselves without even realizing it.

Then there's the famous Marshmallow Experiment from the 1960s, conducted by Dr. Walter Mischel. He tested young kids by offering them a single marshmallow they could eat immediately, or they could wait and receive two instead. Following these kids for over 40 years, he found that those who waited tended to succeed more in life. They showed the value of delayed gratification, something that's incredibly relevant in battling addictions.

The Bible shares a similar story about Esau, who, in a moment of hunger, traded his birthright for a bowl of soup. Just like that mouse in my attic, Esau went for the instant gratification, paying a steep price for it. This story is a stark reminder for anyone, those fighting addiction or those making poor choices, that the lure of 'free cheese' can lead us astray. It's about seeing beyond the immediate to what is God’s value. And sometimes, what we need most is to pause, think about our actions, and choose a path that aligns with our deepest values and God’s best for us.

Apply

What does your cheese look like? Could it be lust? Or fantasy? Or drugs? Maybe some other burst of pleasure? Walk away. It’s a trap. Don’t give up what you want most for what you want now.

Pray

Lord, I find intrigue in the cheese. To be completely honest, I’m tempted to go for it, regardless of the consequences. Give me strength to walk away from the mousetrap. In Jesus’ name. Amen.