The lion tamer—by using his intellect—controls a bigger, stronger, faster, and more aggressive animal.
A commencement speaker stressed the value of a good education—a common topic for graduates. He also spoke about lions and their tamers. Not so common. Then he tied his thoughts together with a question: “Who holds more power, the lion or the man? The lion is bigger, stronger, runs faster, and wins more fights. But, who has the other jumping through hoops?”
Like the lion tamer, we can use and develop the resources at our disposal, we can reach for the higher functioning of God’s best, or we can allow our baser instincts—our lions—to control us. Our choices affect us and those we influence.
We can disregard other’s needs and desires, or we can demonstrate respect for family, friends, and acquaintances—acknowledging their God-given worth. We can lie, cheat, and steal—continually looking out for number one, or we can choose the high road—living with integrity and accepting only what rightfully belongs to us.
We can destroy others with actions and words, or we can avoid gossip, slander, and any potential harm. We can spend our lives accumulating wealth, titles, and power that end at our death or possibly sooner, or we can invest in a life of service to God and others that pays dividends long after we leave this world.
We can follow the party crowd—indulging in every whim and eventually paying the price of addictions, ruined relationships, health issues, and lost potential, or we can take care of the one and only self God gave us.
We can ignore God’s offer of love, forgiveness, and holy living—enjoying a brief stint of self-centered fun followed by an eternity separated from our only source of joy—or we can honor God by giving our all to the One who gave Himself for us. By doing so, we gain a joy-filled life now, regardless of circumstances, followed by an eternity of unimaginable blessings.
Remain alert and vigilant to Satan’s temptations. Tame your lions and spread the word. God calls you to be your best.
(Photo courtesy of pexels.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Diana Derringer is author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! She writes for several publications and enjoys traveling with her husband and serving as a friendship family to international university students. She offers life lessons from English expressions at dianaderringer.com.