The story of Gideon is one filled with contradiction and self-blindness, just as are most of our own lives. He balked at the commands of God, requiring "signs" repeatedly... He was filled with fear and filled with doubt. Yet he rose up and began his work by destroying the altar of Baal. He went on to lead Israel to freedom, but at the end, he demanded payment and fashioned the gold into an object of worship that became an idol, leading Israel to sin. The sad irony is that he was successful in what he was called to do, and then turned that success to his own ruin. And as usually happens, he was guilty of being ruinous in the lives of others as well. Gideon's sin "became a snare", not only to him, but also to his house and the nation of Israel at large. Too many times we allow that which is not sin, to become sin and deceit in our lives. The enemy of our soul's is always on the prowl seeking whom he may devour... not can, but may. And all too often, our own actions and failures provide the permission he seeks!!