Dangerous Attraction


What beauty to behold! I was attracted to this plant with its interesting shapes and colors. Insects are also attracted to it... but their interest can quickly lead to their demise for these are killers!

Pitcher plants are carnivorous. They have modified leaves known as pitfall traps—a prey-trapping mechanism featuring a deep cavity filled with digestive liquid. The traps of what are considered to be "true" pitcher plants are formed by specialized leaves. The plants attract and then drown their prey with nectar.

When I think of the lottery, gambling, casinos and get-rich-quick schemes the pitcher plant comes to mind. The lust for money, possessions, wealth and more-more-more can lead a person down a path of devastation or destruction - financially, relationally, physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. Paul wrote about this 2000 years ago.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

 Rather than chase after the quick cash and riches, we are encouraged to work hard for a living and enjoy the fruits of our labors.

Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense. (Proverbs 12:11)

 It is not money that is the root of all kinds of evil but the love of it. Being satisfied with what you have and enjoying the life God has given you produces a much richer life than what an armored car full of cash can deliver.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless than the rich whose ways are perverse. (Proverbs 28:6)
 
Wealth is attractive. The sweet nectar of large houses, fast cars, expensive toys and the popularity that goes with it is tasty. But the love of money and the compromises some will go to acquiring it can kill!

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