We moved into our home in the forest a couple of years ago. That first October I was outside raking leaves when I came across the cutest little “lizard” among the wet soggy leaves.
The little “lizard” sat frozen-still in terror … which gave me plenty of time to “oogle” and snap photos. Then I transported the little “lizard” to a safer corner of the yard, away from the danger-area of raking.
The following spring, we were planting baby cedar trees in the woods when we came across yet another little “lizard” just like the first. This one had just hatched. Cool!
Several years have now passed.
This week I headed outside to toss some wilted flowers onto the compost heap. On my way there, I came across a lizard in the leaves. Naturally, I stopped to “oogle” and take photos.
Ever so slowly it dawned on me that this lizard is nothing at all like that first “lizard” I discovered that very first fall.
* This lizard has dry, scaly skin.
* That other “lizard” was more squishy, like a jelly-toy. And it obviously required moisture.
* This lizard has a head that resembles a snake head, with eyes that are inset on the sides.
* That other “lizard” had eyes that bulged out, and were set on the top of its head.
Their body structures were completely different.
Their feet were completely different. That other “lizard” had “webbed” feet.
Their camouflage was completely different.
Obviously that other “lizard” was not a lizard after all.
What was it??
Come to find out, it was a Pacific Northwest Salamander. Google informed me that: “Pacific Northwest Salamanders exist in wet forests or partially woody regions.”
Genius.
Of course, I had no way of knowing the fake “lizard” was a salamander. I had never seen a salamander before. In fact, I had hardly ever seen lizards before either. In my ignorance, I was fooled by fake.
Our current world in which we live is so full of fake!
Obviously we don’t know everything. How do we keep from being fooled by fake??
Ask God for wisdom!
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”
Be alert! Be observant!
1 Peter 5:8-9 – “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith.”
Always be learning!
Proverbs 1:5 – “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Think critically!
Proverbs 14:15 – “A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.”
Rely on the Holy Spirit to give guidance and direction!
Proverbs 2:8 – “He guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.”
God will help us to not be fooled by fake!
