The Most Dangerous

READ: EPHESIANS 4:20-32; 6:10-18; 1 PETER 5:6-10

What would you say is the most dangerous animal in the world? Sharks, lions, snakes? If we look at the number of humans killed each year by these predators, we find that sharks kill about a dozen humans per year, lions kill more than 100, and snakes kill over 100,000. But the deadliest animal by far is the mosquito. Unlike many dangerous animals, they live in close proximity to humans and bite unprovoked. These annoying little insects don’t seem like they could cause much damage, but in some parts of the world, they carry malaria and other diseases that have killed a lot of people. It’s estimated that mosquitos cause over 700,000 human deaths per year. That’s way more than sharks, lions, and snakes combined.

Thinking about mosquitos can help us remember that we need to watch out for dangerous little things in our lives too. It’s not always the big things that discourage us—like family problems or a serious illness. The seemingly small frustrations of daily life, like running late or getting a bad grade, can have an effect on us too.

In our disappointment or irritation or fear, we’re often tempted to lash out at people, numb out on social media, or sin in any number of ways. But God calls us to a different way. The Bible says, “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith” (1 Peter 5:8-9). The Bible compares the devil to a roaring lion, but the devil often uses little things to try to get us to sin and to forget that God loves us. Sometimes the little problems are the ones that can wear us down to the point we make a hurtful remark or give in to other temptations.

The best way to stand firm against the enemy and resist his mosquito-like temptations is through prayer. When we take time to remember that Jesus loves us, that He extends forgiveness to us, and that He wants to help us with every problem we face—no matter how big or small—it changes how we respond to the painful things we experience. The truth is, we don’t have to go through any difficulty alone. We can talk to Jesus about all of them. He promises to be with us through all the big things, and all the small things too. • A. W. Smith

• Do you notice how little things can affect you? When all the small irritations pile up, what helps you focus on Jesus?

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)