A Lesson about the Fruit Fly

Happy Monday to our CFC Family!

I don’t know about you, but this year it seems like there have been more of those pesky fruit flies than I can remember! They seemed to show up more than normal! Around the fruit bowl, near the sink, even hovering over a cup of juice left out for just a moment.

Yesterday, I decided I’d had enough and needed to find a way to get rid of them. So I tried something simple but effective. I took a glass jar, dropped a few pieces of fruit inside, covered the top with plastic wrap, and poked a few small holes in it. The sweet smell of the fruit drew the flies in, and before long, they were crawling through the holes—right into the trap!

As I watched these pesky critters caught in the jar, I couldn’t help but notice something. The flies were completely unaware of the danger they were in. They were so focused on the sweetness of the fruit that they had no idea their freedom was gone. What seemed so inviting turned out to be the very thing where they were about to meet their end.  

It struck me that this is exactly how the enemy works in our world today. Satan often uses the same kind of bait - something that looks good, feels good, or seems harmless. He draws people in with the sweetness of temptation, only for them to find themselves caught in a trap they never saw coming.  And even when they are already trapped, they have no idea of the danger that awaits them!

James 1:14–15 reminds us that, “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

I’m sure may of you would agree that we are living in dire times in our world right now. Although many parts of the world are calling on God and turning back Him and revival is happening, still other places like here in Canada, many still seem completely oblivious to the spiritual reality around them. Life goes on as usual, people are busy chasing success, comfort, or entertainment—unaware that eternity is at the door.

This unfortunate reality reminds me of what Jesus said about the days of Noah: “As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man” (Matthew 24:37). In those days, people went about their lives, completely unaware that judgment was approaching—until the flood came and took them all away.

Sadly, the same attitude of indifference is evident today. Many are lulled into a false sense of security, believing all is well, even as the signs of the times become increasingly clear. Yet God’s Word calls us to vigilance. Romans 13:11 reminds us, “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

Church, this is not the time to drift or grow comfortable. We must be spiritually alert, watching and praying, guarding our hearts against the lies of the enemy. Jesus warned His disciples in Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

May each of us be a people who discern the times, who walk in truth and holiness, and who shine as lights in a dark and deceived world. May we not be drawn to the “sweetness” of temporary pleasures, but instead keep our eyes fixed on the One who gives eternal life, and is coming back for a church that is faithful to His calling!

Question:  Can you think of something in your life that may be innocent in itself, but can become a distraction in God’s ultimate will for your life?

Have a great week and we’ll see you Sunday!

Pastor Dan