What do lion cubs have to do with obedience/disobedience?

Photograph captured by my daughter Aletta Harrison (alettaharrison.com)

One of my most memorable experiences was walking in a game reserve with two game rangers, both armed. Upon asking the leader what his scariest experience on foot ever was, we were surprised by his answer: “The time I came across a few cute lion cubs.” Of course, this was because the cute lion cubs had a not so cute vicious mother just around the corner!

Going along with the wonderful privilege of holidaying in a private game reserve from time to time, is the recurring nightmare of having lions nearby while we are out and about. So, I wasn’t surprised at another dream of a group of cubs and adult lions. On waking up, however, I realised that even our seemingly “innocent” little sins are actually lethally dangerous. It means that the “bigger” sins (the roaring lion [fiercely hungry] – Amplified Bible) 1 Peter 5:8 warns about, is just around the corner.

Small deeds of obedience do have far reaching results, but so do the small deeds of disobedience. It is tempting to still my conscience with the fact that I have responsibilities at church, that I serve on various committees, that I even tithe, BUT Jesus warns in Matthew 23:23 –

… For you give a tenth (tithe) of your mint and dill and cumin [focusing on minor matters], and have neglected the weightier [more important moral and spiritual] provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness … (emphasis mine)

I have to obey God in everything. Prosperity can be a dangerous trap; with it comes the temptation to put as much (or even more) trust into my money/position/connections as in God Himself. And in the process, I become an easy target for a mighty enemy: that roaring lion.

It is wise to keep in mind that I am responsible for my own relationship with God, that I have to be alert, not just for the second coming of Jesus, but also against the attacks of the enemy who tries to rein me in with the “cute little lion cubs” of “innocent” white lies and “relaxed” business dealings.

There is a massive difference between being religious and being obedient!