Don't take the bait
by Jeanette Binns / ga08272007

Today, we will talk about how the Holy Ghost can guide, warn and protect us…..

(Come in decked-out in fishing garb!)

Show fishing lure:  Does anyone know what this stuff is used for?  What is it called? Fishing lure.  What does “lure” mean?  (Tempt, attract, bait, trap, deceive, etc.)  Fisherman use these to catch fish.

When a fisherman uses these different “baits/lures”, different kinds of fish are attracted to them.  Some fish like the flies, some other fish might like things that are shiny and sparkly, yet others may be more interested in salmon eggs or worms! 

All of these “baits/lures” are attached to a hook, or something that will catch or harm the fish….  The Holy Ghost can help you to know if you are making a good choice or if you are going to be in danger.

(Sing: Listen, Listen --- p.107)

Let’s talk about some of the lures you might be tempted by:
 

Small Flies:  Satan uses different “bait/lure” for each of us. Satan could use something small to tempt us like----not keeping the Sabbath Day holy, disobeying our parents, or lying .

(Say with me: Don’t take the bait!)

Some of us are able to avoid these smaller “lures”, or maybe we recognize the lures from being “caught” before. 
 

Medium Flies:  So, maybe Satan will try to get us to: use bad words, or watch movies with our friends that aren’t very nice, or even listen to music that isn’t good. 

(Say with me: Don’t take the bait!)

Large flies/Worms/Salmon Eggs:  There are even other temptations that Satan uses on us that may make us happy for a little while (temporary satisfaction--like a worm or a salmon egg might be to a fish):  cheating, stealing, dressing immodestly or not obeying the Word of Wisdom.   

(Say with me: Don’t take the bait!)

Just like the fisherman’s lures, Satan’s lures have hooks in them.  Many times we don’t see that there is any danger or harm in “telling a little lie” (it won’t hurt anyone!)…and then Satan sets the hook, and we’re caught.

Satan wants us to believe that once we are caught by his lures that we can’t get away, but we can repent.  (Show surgical pliers used to remove hooks. These are used to remove hooks from fish.)  This tool reminds us that repentance isn’t easy and sometimes it hurts, really bad.  But, Satan does not control if the hook stays!  You have control of Satan’s hooks and the Holy Ghost can help you if you need to repent.

(Sing: Listen, Listen --- p. 107, again)

The Holy Ghost will help you to make right choices and guide you back to our Heavenly Father!!  I hope that you will listen to the Holy Ghost when you have to make a choice and that you DON’T TAKE THE BAIT!