SS Thoughts #6: Take a Hike
83 campers went on a hike in
a forest, but they were unprepared for the heavy rain and rough terrain. While
crossing a swiftly flowing river, 18 persons were swept away – 2 were never
found.
How could a perfectly planned
hike end in disaster? Were the hikers
unprepared? Did the guide ignore the
signs? No one is sure.
We too have ventured on a rough
journey. Here are 4 basic things we need to do, otherwise our journey could
also end in tragedy.
1 Dress for the journey
High
heels, slippers or a fancy dress are useless on a rough hike. The Bible tells
us that on our rigorous journey we should put on the helmet of salvation and
the breastplate of righteousness. We must have our loins girded with truth, and
our feet shod with the gospel of peace. (Ephesians 6:10-17)
2 Pay attention to the signs – they are clearly given (see Matthew 24)
3 Read the map –
the Bible. It gives us the path we should follow, and the signs we must look
for.
4 Follow the guide
He is Jesus – our Master Guide. He knows the terrain and the rules. He is the
only one who can guide us safely through.
Survive your hike. See you at
the finish line.
2 comments:
The story does have some relevance to the Christian journey and the four points mentioned are rather useful. However taking a closer look at this illustration there seems to be one dimension that is missing that I wish to share if I may.
Normally before persons go on a hike that may have risk of life or limb there ought to be some kind of pre-event orientation and preparation. In essence this ought to equate to counting the cost before the journey. In addition on the very day of the journey a careful guide would scrub the event if the participants were certainly not visibly ready (physically, mentally or both) for the trip.
The application of this to our spiritual journey brings another dimension to this illustration. That is, many Christians are often ill prepared for the journey either because they have failed to really count the cost of the anticipated journey or those inviting them to take the journey have failed to accurately provide the reality of what to expect on the journey.
Another application is that persons entering this journey often are stubborn and insist that they travel even though they know that they are either not prepared to follow clear instructions or are not surrendered enough to do exactly what the guide orders them. In essence they want to travel the journey following their own rules or trying to do so via all the apparent "shortcuts" they can find.
How are you and I traveling? Are we like this group of travelers that are ill prepared due to false expectations (even if they are sincere) or poor attitudes?
Thank you for adding this dimension. It has stimulated deep thoughts. Perhaps though it is difficult to count the cost before embarking on our spiritual journey, since none of us can visually grasp what is ahead. Perhaps if we were able to know the stumbling blocks on the path – the hardships and pain; the doubts and discouragements; the feelings of abandonment; the tears and heartaches; – we may NEVER begin the journey. And often persons accept the invitation to start the journey based only on emotions – thus they may easily wander from the path. But as you say, we begin the journey by surrendering to, and depending on, the Master Guide. And we walk by faith, not by sight, or trust in our own physical prowess—keeping the prize to be gained at the finish line always in mind. Indeed we may be ill prepared, but may we gain strength on the journey, and may our attitude generally be positive!! And may we always reflect the way forward and help/redirect those who stumble.
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