Snake Encounter: A Healthy Fear

by Judi Wheat / Next Gen Early Childhood Curriculum

 “So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” James 4-7, The Message

Each summer we take a vacation with our son and his family, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in South Carolina. It has been pure joy watching our grandchildren grow, experiencing new things, and having fun at the beach. As always, there are unexpected experiences to be had. This year I had such an experience, what I like to call, “my snake encounter.” I do not like snakes, and in fact, panic when I see one. This time it was in an unexpected area, the driveway blacktop, when we were just beginning our morning walk. I could not get out of the path of that snake fast enough. In fact, I back paddled so fast, that I fell straight back to the ground, and then popped up unto my feet to see where that snake had gone. Nowhere was that snake to be found and fortunately I did not receive any major injuries. Snakes, in general, remind me of Satan and sin, something to avoid and get away from. Not something to be mesmerized by and enticed to.

In relating the story to our grandchildren, all they had were questions: How big was the snake? Was it long? What color was it? Where did it come from? Where did it go? They were so curious about the snake, and all I wanted to do was get away from it as fast as I could. To the boys, the snake was a source of curiosity; it was fascinating, it was exciting, and not something to fear. There are 38 species of snakes in South Carolina and only six are venomous; however, having a healthy fear can keep you out of trouble.

As I was thinking about this experience, I realized that we as Christians at times find “sin” in whatever form it confronts us, as fascinating, exciting, and not something to be feared. God expects us to run from sin, to turn away, turn to Him, and stay in close relationship to Him. He expects that we will be prepared in advance to avoid unexpected encounters with Satan. My focus should always be Him, and only Jesus. My prayer is that I will always be teachable, focus on Jesus only, and stay as close to Him in relationship as I possibly can. God is so faithful, how can I do less.