Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Spiritual Lessons from Elephants and Water Buffalo


note: I am adding a little to this blog post in February, 2021. I was prompted to think more about this topic after I read the report of the investigation of Ravi Zacharias. One of the things that stood out to me is that it appears that no one really knew what temptations and sins he was struggling with. He was not open and vulnerable with anyone as far we can tell. His isolation undoubtedly played a part in his fall that hurt so many people.

Growing up, I remember occasionally watching National Geographic shows about lions hunting prey in Africa.  These days you can watch endless YouTube videos on the same topic (but beware, some of these are quite graphic and gory). Seeing how animals like elephants and water buffalo deal with the threat of lions can reinforce some important Biblical lessons about spiritual warfare.

Lesson 1:  Stay Close to Other Christians


1 Minute video of elephants grouping together when they hear a lion’s roar



When lions are around, animals like elephants and water buffalo gather together into tight herds.  The lions do not mess with a whole line of tusks or horns backed up by tons of muscle.  Instead, the lions look for an animal which is isolated from the herd.  If there isn’t one, they work on getting one separated from the others.  And once the animal is separated and on its own, the lions attack, often jumping on its back. The poor animal doesn’t have much of a chance when that happens.

Likewise, if a Christian gets isolated from other Christians, he or she becomes easy prey for demons.  A lone Christian is more easily tempted, and will have less help when she comes under attack. This is one of the reasons it is so very important for Christians to be in constant fellowship with other Christians. Going to church and attending Bible studies are not just nice social events; they are vital defenses against a real and dangerous enemy. Yes, we each accept Christ individually.  But when we are saved, we become a member of God’s family.  The New Testament constantly presents Christianity as a team effort, a family affair, and a group thing. (You may read a post where I give LOTS of Bible verses which demonstrate this truth here.)

Added thougths in February 2021:
 
Elephants and Water Buffalo get physically close to each other in a circle. What kind of closeness to Christians need in order to protect each other from the enemy's attacks? I think we need relational closeness that includes sharing vulnerably with a small group of Christians. Attending church services is certainly valuable and important, but it is not a substitute for close, open relationships. Ask yourself:
1. Who knows about my deepest struggles?
2. Does anyone know about sinful habits I struggle with? Do I share enough for someone else to pray for me and to encourage me?
3.  Have I told anyone what I'm afraid of?
4. Am I available to be the kind of trusted, gracious, listening friend whom others can safely share these types of things with and expect to be encouraged and prayed for?
 
One of the big ways God helps us is through other Christians. But if no other Christians even know what you need help with, you're going to miss out on the help God might want to give you through them.
 
It's not easy to find and maintain these types of relationships. It takes time and effort, but it is worth it! Some people right in the middle of busy ministries or big churches, even some people on staff, don't have these types of relationships. It appears that Ravi Zacharias did not have this and it is probably one factor that allowed him to fall so far while leading a big ministry. Where can you find this type of relationship? Here are some ideas:
 
1. Pray and ask God to lead you to the right people or group.
2. Pray and ask God for courage. It is risky. It will feel scary to share vulnerably.
3. Some small groups (small group Bible studies, small prayer groups, etc.) are good places to experience this level of one-anothering.
4. Some ministry teams are good places to share (all should be!).
5. This can happen in private relationships with other Christians, but it needs to be intentional and ongoing.
6. Groups like Celebrate Recovery encourage this type of sharing.
7. An intentional accountability group or relationship can provide this type of help, protection, and encouragement. I'm talking about intentionally meeting with one or two other Christians (or a small group, perhaps) to keep each other accountable in one or more areas of sin where you struggle.
 
If you're first and second and third attempt to find relationships or groups where you can share openly doesn't work out well, don't give up. Keep trying. Keep praying. One more option is to seek this type of help in professional Christian Counseling. 
 
I'm stopping and praying right now that God will help those who read this to find relationships with other Christians where you regularly share openly about your deepest struggles, most difficult temptations, your failures and weaknesses, and you find help and encouragement to press on and keep up the good fight.
 
Lesson 2:  We Can Rescue Christians Who Come Under Attack

Sometimes the lions will get a baby water buffalo or elephant, and it looks like there is no hope.  But that’s not always the case.  Sometimes, other buffalo or elephants have charged the lions and chased them away even after they began an attack.

Tragically, this doesn’t always happen.  There are videos where the lions chow down on a victim while scores of buffalo just watch.  They could easily defeat the lions if they charged together. When they do charge together, the lions run. But often the buffalo are too scared or too worried about themselves to get involved.

NIV James 5:19-20 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

NIV Galatians 6:1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

Lesson 3:  We’re Better Off than Water Buffalo and Elephants

We have a good shepherd!

NIV John 10:11 "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

But, if we don’t stay close to our Good Shepherd, this will happen to us:

NIV Ezekiel 34:5 So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals.

We have Jesus on our side!  He is way more powerful than the devil and all his demons combined. But this doesn’t mean we can let our guard down.  We have to choose to stay close to Jesus through prayer, the Bible, and Christian fellowship.

Conclusion

Don’t get eaten by lions! Stay in fellowship with other Christians.  Attend church and Bible studies and prayer groups.  If you see a brother or sister in Christ under attack, charge in to help them with the power of Christ.  Stay close to Jesus!

NIV James 4:7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.




Hebrews 13:16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others . . .

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