Volume 29, No. 2                              
January 11, 2004

Cheating the Cheetah

   Sin doesn’t play by the rules.  It’s a cheetah.

   But learn about that fascinating feline and you’ll have some real strategy for eluding the evil that’s “crouching at your door.”  As Genesis 4:7 says, sin “desires to have you, but you must master it.”   Here’s how.

   As almost everyone knows, the cheetah is the fastest creature on earth.  It can go from 0 to 72 kph in just two seconds!  That’s because the big cat is truly built for speed, beginning with non-retractable claws that give it great traction. Along with large nostrils and high-capacity lungs that provide quick air intake, the cheetah has an oversized heart and liver for maximum speed. Its long,streamlined body is stretched over light bones and the tail acts as a rudder for quick turning.  Elongated eyes give the cheetah a sharp, wide-angle view, and the dark marks beneath each eye minimize the sun's glare.
 
   Unlike a horse's spine which stays relatively rigid so all the work is done by the legs, the cheetah's flexible spine curls like a whip, producing a burst of acceleration. Over distance, a horse can outrun the cheetah but nothing beats the cat in a short sprint.

    But its top speed of 114 kph can last for only 300 metres, or about 20 seconds. It almost never exceeds a full minute. While a cheetah sprinting flat-out can easily overtake a gazelle, the prey stands a good chance of escape if it veers sharply to the side;  something the cheetah can’t do as easily because of its great speed. In most cases, if the gazelle dodges three or four times, the cat quits.

   That’s why the cheetah usually seeks the vulnerable:  antelope, theyoung of larger animals such as warthogs, or rabbits and game birds.  The cat can even mimic birds to attract them.  Whenever possible, it goes after half-grown antelope and animals that stray from the group.

   After choosing its victim, the cheetah creeps within 50 metres before accelerating then brings down its quarry by tripping it or knocking it off balance with a blow to the back end. Once the prey falls, the cat lunges for its throat, puts a vice-like grip on its windpipe, and chokes it to death in four or five minutes. The cheetah then drags its kill into the nearest cover and eats fast because, if challenged, it usually loses.

   Sin, too, usually loses when challenged.  It’s cowardly and conscience-free but quick to surrender when dragged back into the Light.

   Though a ferocious enemy when in hot pursuit of our heart, sin seldom goes the distance when we cheat it out of a quick victory.  Even when we can’t outrun sin, we can outlast it.  Sharp turns in our thinking and behaviour can help us escape its vicious grip. So often though, we get tripped up or knocked off balance because we take off and run too late, arrogantly assuming we can stay ahead of the threat by racing along the same path that got us into trouble in the first place.

   Instead we must be vigilant, keeping our eyes and hearts open to sense the creeping influence of self-serving sin. If we wait until it’s headed for us at a full run, we won’t stand a chance.  Evil will overtake, overwhelm and overcome us, choking off the spiritual life that keeps us alive in Christ.

   But if we watch our attitude and environment for the first signs of danger, we can evade the enemy. Just remember that the dark forces often imitate us and even Satan himself can “masquerade as an angel of light” until he can close in for the kill (2 Cor. 11:14).  The good news is that even though sin may leave us wounded and winded, “God is faithful.  He’ll keep the temptation from becoming so strong you can’t stand up against it.  When you’re tempted, He’ll show you a way out... So, my dear friends, flee...” (1 Cor. 10:13,14)  

   Better yet, reduce your vulnerability by striving for maturity, stability and unity.  Grow.  Stay with the group.  That way, sin will get nowhere, fast.

By Rick Gamble, published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the Followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada.  Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications.  To subscribe, contact sgamble@bfree.on.ca

NEWS AND NOTES

Wireless Communication:  Prayer!
Susan Gamble is still recovering from a lung infection but antibiotics seem to be working.  Lois Etherington, Alice Gamble, Clive Whiddett and Davis Alexander have also been under the weather.   Both Doris Alexander and David Whiddett (Clive’s dad) are doing well but please continue to intercede for them and Fran Stockdale (rib fracture), Carla Jourdaine (surgery recovery),  Tom Edwards (chronic illness) and Judith Alexander (mission work).  Don’t forget to pray for the Lord’s direction as we continue our Spiritual Gifts course and plan for our month-end Congregational Meeting.  And when you pray, expect some answers!

Tiny Bodies, Big Blessings!
To accommodate the mini-baby boom we’ve experienced the past couple of years, we now have a Cradle Roll, a special Bible School class for those two years old and under.  Jenny Petch is the main teacher and we appreciate her willingness to take on this great responsibility.  If you know anyone with a child in that age group, speak to Jenny or Bible School Co-ordinator Susan Gamble.

Send An S.O.S. Signal!
The Sharing Our Support (S.O.S.) women’s support group will meet Tuesday night (6:30) for an informal evening of coffee and conversation.  The group’s future focus will be up for discussion and it’s already been decided the meetings will now happen on the second Tuesday of the month, not the first Tuesday.  Come and share your ideas about how S.O.S. can best serve and reach out to other women who need support.  See Kari-Anne Wills if you have questions.

A Hallmark of Caring!
We received the following card from the Hassetts:  “Thank you for the lovely floral tribute in memory of our mother.  The flowers not only expressed to the family your support and understanding, but they also an example of the beauty and fragility of life.  With deepest appreciation, the Hassett Family.”

Meeting, Expectations!
Just a reminder of the Congregational Meeting set for Wednesday January 28th at 7:00.  There’s lots happening these days so please pray we’ll know the clear direction of God as we share our thoughts and prayers.   If you have something you’d like added to the agenda, please see Rick Gamble.  Those taking the Spiritual Gifts course are reminded to have the “Passion Assignment“ completed for this Wednesday’s class which will start at 7:00.