Don’t let anyone try to convince you that traps aren’t a problem.
We may not be coyotes, but that doesn’t mean we don’t act like ’em sometimes.
When we get tired or hungry we tend to let down our guard. But we have a couple of things the rest of the animal kingdom doesn’t. A highly superior level of cognition and access to the Spirit of our Creator who is always willing to lead us.
That beats a good nose and ears any day of the week.
But there’s more. A lot more. A wild animal will instinctively follow the guidance of a parent. It’ll also practice survival skills and most likely achieve longevity commensurate to the degree it has developed those skills. On the other hand, we develop most discipleship skills not always intuitively, but primarily by a free-will decision to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Because, as disciples, there’s more to life than saving our souls.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminded the reader that the lives of those who choose to faithfully follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, need to revolve around their ability to be a viable witness to so many others who are actually paying attention to the way they live:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith—who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [So] then, consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Heb.12:1-3] [my emphasis]
[ἀναλογίζομαι: (â-nâ-lôgîz’-ô-my) consider closely, think of, compare]
A coyote instinctively understands how influential it is to its offspring. But, as wary as it often is, it may very well not realize exactly how vulnerable it can be in certain situations.
And if we don’t either, then it’s imperative to come to realize how to develop the skills to help prevent being caught in one of the traps Satan sets for Christ’s Flock.
The consequences are specified, reiterated and real.
So don’t lose heart. Consider Him.
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Last Updated: September 4, 2026 by cjournalme
Tread Lightly in the Wilderness
Don’t let anyone try to convince you that traps aren’t a problem.
We may not be coyotes, but that doesn’t mean we don’t act like ’em sometimes.
When we get tired or hungry we tend to let down our guard. But we have a couple of things the rest of the animal kingdom doesn’t. A highly superior level of cognition and access to the Spirit of our Creator who is always willing to lead us.
That beats a good nose and ears any day of the week.
But there’s more. A lot more. A wild animal will instinctively follow the guidance of a parent. It’ll also practice survival skills and most likely achieve longevity commensurate to the degree it has developed those skills. On the other hand, we develop most discipleship skills not always intuitively, but primarily by a free-will decision to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit.
Because, as disciples, there’s more to life than saving our souls.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminded the reader that the lives of those who choose to faithfully follow our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, need to revolve around their ability to be a viable witness to so many others who are actually paying attention to the way they live:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith—who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [So] then, consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” [Heb.12:1-3] [my emphasis]
[ἀναλογίζομαι: (â-nâ-lôgîz’-ô-my) consider closely, think of, compare]
A coyote instinctively understands how influential it is to its offspring. But, as wary as it often is, it may very well not realize exactly how vulnerable it can be in certain situations.
And if we don’t either, then it’s imperative to come to realize how to develop the skills to help prevent being caught in one of the traps Satan sets for Christ’s Flock.
The consequences are specified, reiterated and real.
So don’t lose heart. Consider Him.
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