Great Smoky Mountains Black Bear
John Miller
01/04/21
- Windstream Mail
R E F L E C T I O N S Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith - 1/4/21 _______________________________________________________________ "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account." - Heb. 13:17 |
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While walking through an overgrown field in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park I noticed movement in the brush far to my right. Thinking it might be a deer I slowly made my way in that direction. Much to my surprise, I saw a black bear rise up and stand looking away from me toward the forest in the distance. As he stood there I was able to capture a few images of him before he once again disappeared into the underbrush. Although a bear's sense of smell is amazing I was fortunate that their eyesight is very bad. Since the wind was blowing from the bear to me and he was looking in the wrong direction, I was never discovered. It does no good to stand and look if you are looking in the wrong direction. God has appointed leaders in the church who are charged with the responsibility of standing watch over their congregations. This is a sacred and solemn responsibility. It requires maturity in the faith, a deep knowledge of scripture, and a gentle and contrite heart. It is a gift God bestows on some, a calling upon the heart. It should have nothing to do with popularity, charisma, or talent in secular affairs. The prideful or self-righteous need not apply. These leaders lead by example, not by fiat. They are worthy of honor, respect, and support because they are supposed to model what a Christian should be. But as they watch over our souls they must look in the right direction. Their gaze must not be directed toward the latest church growth program or what a popular preacher says or does, but toward the One to whom they must one day give account. What an honor it is to do this well! But what a disgrace it is to do it poorly. - John
