Hungry Lions

It is easy to put the blame elsewhere when we do something wrong.  With evil forces at work in the world undermining our good intentions, we are not at fault when we slip and abandon our principles.  It allows us to be victims.

Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8

In today's reading, Peter tells the followers of Christ that all are subject to the same influences.  We are all undergoing the trials and we need each other to be strong.

It is a good message, especially today, for there are so many ways to slip away from our faith and fall victim to temptations that cause harm.

The lion that prowls is our own ego.  The more we think highly of ourselves, the more likely we are to cause harm to ourselves and to others.

The lions Peter is talking about are those who take advantage of our flaws, those who lay in wait to pounce when we are weak.  They are the users who turn our weaknesses into their victories.

So, we need to be doubly vigilant.  We need to be aware of the dangers that exist in the world and we must be conscious of our own actions, so that we don't lead ourselves into harm's way.

Peter tells us to be humble, to value the wisdom of our elders and submit to their authority, but at the same time, we must resist the evil posed by those who are focused on abusing their power and authority.

I believe the best way to avoid the hungry lions is to join together with others and create a strong defense.  There is strength in numbers.  When we study and pray together, we reinforce each other, building up our confidence.  Together, we can accomplish what we cannot do alone.

It is the power of community, the opposite of ego.

Knowing we cannot do it alone is the first step in being humble, and that leads us to sharing our journey together.

That is the way of Christ, loving each other and supporting each other in our journey together.

It is a simple formula, and it counters the enemy in two ways.  It keeps us safe from the lions and keeps us from becoming one of them as well.

So, beware the hungry lions.  Come together in prayer and study.  Build each other up and there will be no one who can tear you down.

More to come...