The Venus flytrap was first discovered in a small area of sandy wetlands not far from our home in North Carolina. These plants are fascinating to watch because they’re carnivorous.
Venus flytraps release a sweet-smelling nectar into colorful traps that resemble open flowers. When an insect crawls inside, triggering sensors along the outer rim, the trap clamps shut in less than a second—capturing its victim. The trap then closes further and emits enzymes that consume its prey over time, giving the plant nutrients not provided by the sandy soil.
God’s Word tells of another trap that can capture unexpectedly. The apostle Paul warned his protégé Timothy: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.” And “some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs” (1 Timothy 6:9–10).
Money and material things may promise happiness, but when they take first place in our lives, we walk on dangerous ground. We avoid this trap by living with thankful, humble hearts focused on God’s goodness to us through Jesus: “godliness with contentment is great gain” (v. 6).
The temporary things of this world never satisfy like God can. True, lasting contentment is found only through our relationship with Him.
Which do you think more about—money or your relationship with God? How can you give Him the highest priority today?
INSIGHT
Paul invested heavily in training young men for ministry, including Timothy. He was the son of a believing Jewish mother, Eunice, and a Greek father. His grandmother Lois was also a follower of Christ (Acts 16:1; 2 Timothy 1:5). We’re not told how Timothy came to faith, but it apparently was through the influence of his mother and grandmother, for 2 Timothy 3:14–15 says that he had from childhood been taught the Scriptures “which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” Nevertheless, Paul viewed Timothy as one of his own, calling him “my true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul was so concerned for Timothy that, although he was in a Roman prison awaiting death (2 Timothy 4:6), he took the time to write to him to encourage him in his ministry at Ephesus.