Jungle

 

In our study we often refer to the term, jungle. Of course we are using this in a figurative sense, because the term or concept of the jungle is an appropriate concept to apply to the difficulties we face in our everyday life. Life is in a sense a jungle with all its dangers as well as its enticements, many seen, many unseen. We have choices in life. But as we will soon see there are really only two choices which will have an impact on each of our individual personal lives and destinies.

Can we control our destiny? Yes, of course. But probably not in the way in which you are thinking. Can we control many of the difficulties we face in life? The answer to that is yes as well. But again, probably not in a way in which you are thinking. There are no magic tricks, no genies to call upon.

Most people like to think that they are individual spirits, free to do as they please. Free to pick and choose what they want out of life, and that, that is really all there is to it. Most feel that if things will just go their way (perhaps with a little luck and a few good connections), then life will be pleasant and wonderful. We can gaze into the sunset and just feel good about ourselves. That is the hope of most anyway. But not so in life.

Suddenly as we grow up, life's realities hit us. The school grades are not quite as good as we would like. The job opportunities are just not there. Perhaps the money is a little short to finance that dream. Disaster strikes. Our health may be less than perfect. The marriage of our dreams turns out to be less than we dreamed - divorce, children, monthly bills. Pressure builds, tension, loss of sleep, worry. Social problems develop. People gossip. Office politics get in your way. Life is just not going as you had planned. What to do?

Welcome to the jungle.

You were born into it and now you have to live in it for better or worse. Do we have any choice? Do we have any way out of this pressure cooker of life? And the answer to both of those questions is yes. Unfortunately most people see the choices they have in life and ignore the good ones, and pursue the jungles offerings (the bad choices). They dig themselves deeper in the choke hold of the jungle and then misery and eventually death, like a slow strangulation, comes slowly. Sometimes you notice it, especially in times of trouble. Sometimes you do not notice it - in times of good fortune. But in the jungle both of these situations are paths to doom and misery. In the jungle you are not in charge of your own life. You have no control over your destiny

The answer of course, to this lack of control over ones life, is spiritual growth through a consistent daily Bible study. Unfortunately most people do not take this seriously and they continue to wallow in their miserable lives day in and day out. Bible study is not something that takes up a lot of your time, but it is and should be a commitment to a study for life, more like commitments you already have in other daily routines - brushing your teeth, daily meals, nightly sleep periods, dressing, undressing - you know, simple things that you do day in and day out without even thinking about them. That is the kind of daily Bible study that you should get into the habit of.

Will your life change overnight? No. Will there be sudden magic in your life? No. God is not a genie, nor a magician, for your convenient use when you need Him, and then to be placed back on the shelf to collect dust until your next time of need.

Your first mind set should be, to look at life and see the truth of reality. There are two realities in life. That which exists in the jungle, the will of the jungle, and that which is Gods Will. Understand that God is far greater than you probably will ever know. Even as you get to know God, through your daily study, you will discover His greatness is far greater then even your imagination. Most people can imagine a great deal. You will also get to know that having God in your life will not be an imposition on you, nor a restriction to how you conduct your life. You will have greater choices, even more so than if you choose to reject God or to just ignore Him in your life.

Unfortunately many folks feel that having God in their life will restrict them in some way, that they can come up with 'better' choices on their own, and, that is the first step down the road of voluntary stupidity. But first the jungle, then the sphere of protection within the jungle.

Now is the time to post a prayer.

End Of Lesson

Study to show thyself approved (mature) unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing (studying/discerning), the Word of truth.