Tricks that Trap – See. Perceive. Act.

Though we are free in Christ, former procrastinators, we can still fall into thinking and acting like slaves.  Galatians 5:1 warns us “Do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” To avoid that trap, we must think and behave as free women.  We can avoid the old ways that come with our natural bents.  Those ways entrap us and keep us from living as the new women Christ has made us to be. Utilizing priorities, routine, and mini habits is a safeguard; but we still must be alert to diversion.

See that we are free.  Jesus broke the chains that bound us to old habits and desires so that we are able to choose His way.  Recognize a tricky trap for what it is – not so innocent.

Perceive.  Lord, help us truly understand that we are indeed free to choose because the Holy Spirit helps us discern what is of you and what is not.  We can choose wisely.

Act. “Put shoe leather to it.”  We can take action in the power of the Holy Spirit as we submit to Him for His control.

What lures you away from doing what needs doing when it needs doing?  A number of diverting lures tangle me in a yoke of bondage if I choose to act on them.  Some of them only take a second of diversion.

Lack of routine.  When I let routine drop, I drop priorities too. (Because we set up routine based on priorities.)  This relates to the next thing…

Not acting on priorities daily or weekly.  Letting them slip from their prime position.  I get tangled in a mass of other things when I drop those that are most important. Notice that order of action.  If I keep the priorities, I’m less likely to take on the many other things.

Failing to course correct.  Sometimes I must step away from my desired path.  Not returning as soon as possible draws me deeper into the weeds.

Operating on my own.  When I get away from quiet time with the Lord and fail to seek His guidance and strength, I get entangled and lose sight of what should be my focus.

Starting a pile.  I might as well plant a briar patch when I put something down on the counter instead of taking care of it right away.  Clutter attracts clutter so I get fifteen minutes of counter cleaning later.

Not acting when prompted.  The Holy Spirit can speak to me by quiet nudging or using a reminder on the calendar.  Resistance to Him entangles me.

Deceiving myself.  These words have taken me into bondage:  “Just 5 minutes then I’ll hop up from the computer.”  “Just this once.”  “I did this before and nothing bad happened.”  “It won’t matter.”  “Just one more thing.”  “If I hurry, I can do it all.”  “I’ll leave this for later.”  “Just for now…”

See the situation clearly no matter how simple.  Perceive the trap.  Act as a woman who wants to stay free.

What tricky traps draw you away and entangle you again in bondage?