LIONS, LOLLY-GAGGING, AND LA-DI-DAH

 

My hubby will testify that I’m a real critter lover. He’s afraid to take me the zoo, or festivals, or a neighborhood walk, for fear that I’ll come home with a new fuzzy lovebug, be it cat, dog, goat, iguana ... okay, so the iguana isn’t fuzzy, but I’d gladly buy it a fuzzy sweater. And now I must guard against torpedoing the 10^th Commandment because our friends are going on African safari next month where they can have hands-on experiences with cheetas, elephants, and wildebeasts.

As much as I love to watch nature documentaries, the one thing I don’t handle well is the videos of one breed taking down another for food purposes. I see it in my own home, when I watch our cats stalk and demolish a cricket. I know, it’s nature, the way it’s supposed to be, survival of the fittest. But I’d much rather not witness this much reality. Yes, I am indeed a wimp.

And now you’re asking me, “and your point would be?” Here it is. Read 1 Peter 5:8 -- “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Now take a good look at the photo above, taken by me, on our deck a few winters ago. The birds had found some leftover kitty kibble and were having a heyday, as evidenced by the many wee birdie footprints. And if you look closely, you’ll spy with your little eye ... the single kitty paw print. Like the song that you can’t get out of your head, so this photo and verse should be stuck in your head, only for a better purpose.

The feline’s expertise is a picture of Satan’s. He takes advantage of the weak, the straggler, the unaware, the apathetic, the lolly-gagger. His grubby little footprints are all over Scripture for me to see as an example of his effect on those who weren’t paying attention when he snuck up on them for the physical, emotional and/or spiritual kill.

When believers are at their most vulnerable is when he strikes. Sometimes that vulnerability is from outside sources, like persecution, illness, etc. But vulnerability can also be the result of disobedience, pride, greed. “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 2:16)

Gracious Father, I know that, as Your child, I can never be taken from Your hand (John 10:28-29). But it is definitely up to me not to languish and “la-di-dah” through my days, assuming that because I’m Yours, that the diabolical one has lost interest. That would be the dumbest assumption I could make. You have lovingly provided me with Your armor, and Your insistence that I put it on, so that I “will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11-17). Furthermore, You have gifted me with “the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” Being aware does not mean living in fear, because You are with me always. And besides my little picture of critter footprints, the “big picture” is that Satan is not long for this world, because You, my Jesus, have already conquered Satan. How I look forward to being with You for all eternity, in a divinely Satan-free environment!

TO ETCH OR NOT TO ETCH

 I’m not a huge fan of tattooing myself, because I know it would become grotesque with rapidly encroaching older age and already-sagging skin, thereby scaring young children. I prefer to make my statements via etchings on jewelry rather than crepe-like skin. If you’re a younger reader, I’m sure you’ll forgive me for not being wildly adventuresome.

Recently, I discovered a bracelet that was advertised as engravable, with anything you wanted to say, showing your philosophy and personality to the world. My first thought was to have the word CHOCOLATE engraved a coupla dozen times, since that’s of major importance in everyone’s life, and if it isn’t, well then, I guess you and I wouldn’t have much to talk about [Insert goofy smiley-face emoji here]. Another obvious possibility for a woman my age could be doo-wop lyrics from the 50’s, like “shoobie-doo-wop-doo-wow” and “ramma-lamma-ding-dong.” But then, I’d always have to wear poodle-skirts, and I’m not sure any of my friends could tolerate that.

So, after galloping through cerebral silliness, I reverted to adult thought processes. I wanted something that I wouldn’t eventually find boring, thus landing it in a garage sale a couple of years later. I wanted something I would gladly wear the rest of my life. And then it hit me -- why not show who I am -- in Christ?

And here it is -- the 12 most important words that describe me, not for my glory, but for His. Because of God’s plan before the world began (Ephesians 1:4), I am ... PREDESTINED, CALLED, JUSTIFIED, GLORIFIED (Romans 8:30), ADOPTED (Ephesians 1:5), SAVED (Romans 10:9,10), REDEEMED (Galatians 3:13), SANCTIFIED (1 Corinthians 1:2), RECONCILED (Romans 5:10), UNCONDEMNED (Romans 8:1), FORGIVEN (1 John 2:12), and BELOVED (Colossians 3:12).

I’ve heard that it’s a good idea for every Christian to rehearse the gospel to themselves each day, since we're prone to forgetfulness. It’s also good for me to remind myself of these God-breathed words, to reinforce what Christ has done for me, to keep my perspective, not just on an earthly level, but on “things above” (Colossians 3:1-2). This shiny bracelet is also an excellent witness tool, since it is very obvious to those I meet every day, and it keeps me ready “to give an account for the hope” I have (1 Peter 3:15).

My Father, I am beyond thankful that, even before I was born, You applied all those words, and more, to me, a wretched sinner, and now a beloved child. When I meet with other believers, I know the same applies to them, and I am able to encourage them in the same way You encourage me with Your words. You have made me a fellow citizen with the saints, and a member of Your household (Ephesians 2:19). I praise You for Your mercy and grace.

ATTITUDES AND ACRONYMS

Recently as I was strolling through the internet labyrinth, I learned that as many acronyms exist as there are stars in the universe. Most acronyms are way too technical for my wee brain, but I got my daily giggle from several, including:

DENIAL = Don’t Even Know I’m Lying

DIET = Did I Eat That?
MATH = Mental Abuse to Humans,
and my favorite:
AAAA = Association Against Acronym Abuse

That was entertaining, wasn’t it? However, I had a brain spasm recently because of a particular acronym on social media, one that I won’t repeat here, because I don’t want you to look it up and be grossed out. The cleaned-up version of that acronym is meant to tell people “do I look like I care about much of anything?” Apparently, it’s on a line of clothing and is considered to be “attitude” wear. From my vantage point, one might as well be wearing the "cat-with-bad-attitude" picture on one's shirt.  The individual who displayed this acronym on his site clarified by saying that he doesn’t care about anyone’s opinion of him, that he’s done what he wants his entire life, and that the only opinion he ever considers is his wife’s and God’s, and nobody else. And he solidified his lack of caring what people think by offering two more posts with foul language. Yes, this person professes to be a Christian.

I know this person, therefore I'm sure he wouldn’t take too kindly to being held accountable by another Christian. He wouldn’t want to hear about how God’s Word emphasizes believers’ attitudes towards one another are to be that of humility and encouragement. He wouldn’t enjoy reading the many verses emphasizing “wise in their own eyes” and haughtiness, and lack of listening to godly counsel is a gigantic hindrance in walking the Christian road. And he particularly wouldn’t like to hear that the Almighty God doesn’t have “opinions.” He is the “I Am” and His Word is truth. His commands are to be obeyed, not just “considered” and then tossed aside in favor of worldly desires.

And at this point, I must consider the speck/log issue. How many times have I myself behaved in a haughty, not humble, manner towards others, not taken godly advice, or glossed over God’s commands? Probably more than I would care to admit. Sticking one's tongue out at God is, at the very least, inconsiderate.  So this acronym issue was a good wakeup call. And I’ve found many other acronyms that display a more profitable “attitude” to wear on my clothes, and treasure in my heart:

ACTS = Adoration, Contrition, Thanksgiving, Supplication

ALONE = Always Leading Others Near Eternity

BREAD = Bible Reveals Every Answer Daily
CHRIST = Compassionate Humble Redeemer Immortal Servant Truthful
GRACE = God Really Covers Everything

My Father, I am so thankful to You for pointing out the importance of evaluating my potential behavior by asking myself, and You, if what I’m about to do will glorify You, or give You a “brain spasm.” Will it veer me off the road I’m walking with You? Will it help or impede, or gross out, other believers if they see what I do? Father, You are so very patient with me, and Your Word is so sufficient, that I want You to be the first Counselor I seek. And if You choose to mediate Your love and advice through other believers, give me the humbleness of heart to listen to them.