THE GLITTERING TRAP: RECOGNIZING ENTICEMENT BEFORE IT STEALS YOUR FREEDOM

This world is like a trap with a source of enticement. People get lured by the enticement without recognizing the entrapment, and when they step into the trap in a bid to get what lured them there, they discover—albeit too late—that they cannot obtain the enticement, and they have lost their freedom.

From the marketplace to the boardroom, from social media feeds to personal relationships, life is filled with glittering offers that promise fulfillment, success, or pleasure. These “enticements” are not inherently evil—opportunities, ambitions, and pleasures can be part of a rich and meaningful life. However, the danger lies in our inability to discern between a genuine opportunity and a cleverly disguised snare; many are bait set with a far darker purpose, to draw us away from GOD, enslave our hearts, and, if left unchecked, destroy our eternal destiny.

The anatomy of the trap is always the same:

1. The Bait — Something desirable is placed in plain sight. It speaks directly to our needs, wants, or vulnerabilities.

2. The Blind Pursuit — Focus shifts from careful evaluation to emotional reaction. Logic dims under the glow of desire.

3. The Snap — The moment of commitment closes off escape. The price to be paid—be it integrity, freedom, health, or peace of mind, becomes clear, but too late.

In our modern world, the bait is often packaged in sophisticated marketing, unrealistic promises, or appealing but shallow relationships. We live in a time when instant gratification is glorified, making it even easier to chase what shines without questioning its source.

The cost of falling for the glittering trap is not just the loss of the bait—it’s the loss of autonomy. A trapped individual becomes subject to the will of the one who set the snare. This could manifest as debt controlling one’s decisions, an addiction dictating one’s life, or an unethical

alliance corrupting one’s values.

To live wisely is to train the eyes to see beyond the glitter. It is to ask:

Who placed this bait?

Why is it here?

What do I stand to lose if I step closer?

The danger is not simply that we lose the bait—it is that we forfeit the greatest treasure of all: freedom in CHRIST. And when a soul’s freedom is lost, the ultimate cost is separation from GOD for eternity.

The Bible warns us: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” (Mark 8:36). The glittering trap can rob us not only of earthly peace but of our eternal inheritance with GOD.

THE 5-STEP DISCERNMENT FRAMEWORK 

How to Recognize Enticement Before It Becomes Entrapment

1 — Pause Before Pursuit:

Don’t rush into something because it feels good or looks rewarding. Pause to pray, reflect, and seek GOD’s counsel.

 Key Question: Am I responding to this in faith or in fleshly impulse?

2 — Investigate the Source:

Every offer, opportunity, or open door comes from a source. Some are from GOD, others from people, and some from the enemy. Discern the difference.

Key Question: Who is behind this, and would GOD be pleased with me walking through it?

3 — Weigh the Hidden Cost:

Ask GOD to reveal what is not visible at first glance. Some things cost far more than they give.

Key Question: What will this cost me spiritually, morally, and eternally?

4 — Test Against GOD’s Word:

GOD’s Word is the highest standard of truth. Anything that contradicts it, no matter how glittering, must be rejected.

 Key Question: Does this align with Scripture and GOD’s will for my life?

5 — Choose Freedom in CHRIST Over Glitter in the World:

If pursuing something threatens your walk with GOD, it’s not worth the risk. Freedom in CHRIST is worth infinitely more than any worldly gain.

 Key Question: Will this draw me closer to GOD or push me away from HIM

FINAL REFLECTION:

The greatest loss is not losing money, reputation, or opportunity, it is losing your eternal place with GOD. The glitter of this world fades, but the Kingdom of GOD endures forever. 

True "Freedom" is a far greater treasure than any shiny prize dangled before us. Protect it fiercely, for once lost, it is far harder and sometimes impossible to reclaim than it is to preserve.

Guard your heart, test every enticement, and walk in the Freedom CHRIST purchased for You.