A recent CNN article explores the question, “Why do some survive disasters while others do not?” There have been stories in the news recently of people who faced catastrophe while climbing mountains, hiking in the wilderness, sailing, swimming, flying, etc. Some are found alive after the crisis while othersare not. Why the different outcome? Sure the answer can be found in some combination of luck, circumstance, and answered prayer. But the article points to the fact that those who would appear to be the best suited for survival, what the article calls “the Rambo types,” were often the first to die in these life-or-death struggles while children were the most likely to survive.
Why is that? According to the experts, the Rambo-type often trust themselves (their strengthor expereince) and get into trouble making foolish choices and taking foolish risks trying to save themselves. Small children often will survive the crisis because they're humble. They rest when they get tired and sleep in the heat of the day; they know they are too weak to try something heroic on their own. Humility in the wilderness can keep you from trusting in yourself and waiting for others to do the rescuing.
Humility is pretty important in the wilderness of life too. Jesus tells us, “Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Luke 18:17). A prideful insistence on doing things our own way and going in our own direction will just serve to get us more and more lost. Pride leads us to say, “I can live my life without God.” Pride can also say, “I already understand what God expects.” Humility keeps looking to God in the helplessness of a child and reaching out to be blessed by him. For such is the kingdom of God.
3 comments:
Practical Education followed by proper preparation? All three will put to use your God given talents! Know your limits and don’t be afraid or panic, adrenalin may not be what you need to think clearly and panic clouds the mind while it heightens your senses for a short burst if you need to lift a car or something lift it! But keep in mind your body will pay the price and it could kill you if you are not ready for it. Yes that is so true that, “Humility in the wilderness can keep you from trusting in yourself and waiting for others to do the rescuing.” That don’t make a good action movie but it is the way to survive. “A prideful insistence on doing things our own way and going in our own direction will just serve to get us more and more lost.” as will taking the instructions of a foolishly lead persons groups and / or institutions. Trust yourself and be honest with yourself about your abilities, Don’t be a heros! Don’t be a victims! . . . Be a survivors so you will be able to help others who will need your actions to be clear minded. Humility can not always be seen even when it keeps looking to God in the helplessness of a child who is reaching out to be blessed by Him. The kingdom of God belongs to God and His will is done there; the angles are before Him always on behalf of that children; He will have His way with them always.
Children are able and willing to help give them something useful to do and give them encouragement and they will do better still. Most children have good instincts and will do very well if left on their own, watch them from a distance and do not mess with them unless your intervention is a must to protect them or others. Be honest with yourselves and they will be honest to you.
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