I live in the foothills of the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. It is a wilderness of its own with its steep granite walls, cold winters, hot summers, and lack of rain. Last time, we looked at the first three skills that are absolutely necessary to survive in the wilderness. And while this pertains to literal wilderness wandering, it also applies to our spiritual journey through this life as Christians. We would do well to learn spiritual survival skills, since the children of Israel provide an example of the sobering truth that not all who start out headed to the Promised Land make it there alive.
Survival Skill #4 – Protect Yourself From Dangerous and Wild Animals
Mountain lions, rattle snakes, and bears live in the Sierra Nevada mountains. A mountain lion was seen not far from our home by my husband. A bear got into our trash one night. They are real. However, the dogs in my neighborhood have been the greatest danger to me personally. One bit my thigh, and on another occasion a dog lunged and bit my face! I have developed a healthy awareness of the danger of dogs.
Scripture warns us, “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers …” (Philippians 3:2). In prophesying of Jesus’ experience, David wrote, “For dogs have surrounded Me … Deliver … My precious life from the power of the dog” (Psalm 22:16, 20). The Bible gives us a few dog characteristics we can use to identify evil-working men who fall into this category. Dogs feed off the dead (1 Kings 14:11), eating what has been torn up by beasts (Exodus 22:31). They are critical, back-biting, and pull others down for their own benefit. “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!” (Galatians 5:15). Dogs return to their own vomit (Proverbs 26:11). They are watchmen who are blind, dumb dogs that cannot bark, love to slumber, and are greedy (Isaiah 56:10–11).
Jesus also warned us of the danger of wolves in sheep’s clothing. They appear to be Christians. They look like a friend, but they are wolves.“‘Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves … beware of men …’” (Matthew 10:16). Place your confidence in the Lord, not in men.
Survival Skill #5 – Wear the Right Shoes
Your feet are what will take you through the wilderness. Festering wounds, inflammation, or gangrenous toes will halt your journey. Scripture tells us what our feet are to be shod with: peace. Peace is harmony with God. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
Survival Skill #6 – Unite With Others Who Have Survival Skills
This may not initially sound important, but it is vital. Others can supply the skills that you lack.
Scripture affirms that two are better than one. If one falls, the other will help them get back up. If one is cold, the other can help them warm up (Ecclesiastes 4:9–11). Loneliness and isolation leave us vulnerable to a multitude of dangers. If we scatter, we are more likely to perish. The apostle Paul reminds us through the analogy of the human body that we need each other and that there is strength in unity. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love …” he says, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together …” (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Survival Skill #7 – Be Able to Discern Between Mirages and the Genuine
While this survival skill lies very close to Skill #4, it is different. Deception comes in many forms. Jesus said to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of Herod (Mark 8:15). This hidden ingredient can be found in the religious life, as well as in the world. Leaven is used to rise and puff up bread, making it edible; but it makes people lose their way in the wilderness. The secret desire to exalt self, the longing for human approval and praise, the the desire for an easier way is so deceptive. The way to down is up, and vice-versa in the kingdom of God. Self-seeking leads to a mirage that leads us in the opposite direction. Combining some of the world with Christianity, thinking that moral living is sufficient, pursuing personal gain in the name of Jesus is all quick sand. Deception includes self-deception. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves …” (2 Corinthians 13:5).
The journey through the wilderness may be fraught with danger, but we are not left to ourselves. The very same God who brought water from a rock, rained manna from the sky, and hung on a pole so the bitten could look and live will see us through to the Promised Land.
