It is almost time for my least favorite job in preparation for hunting season, the tedious, but important, responsibility of checking tree stands and planting food plots for the deer. It is tedious because of all the outside variables that hinder or prevent the work from being done. Wasp nests in the seats, tree growth around the stand, summer heat and storms, failing equipment, and lack of time are hindrances in doing the work. I find spiritual implications of these events too.
The wasps’ nests represent the hesitancies within ourselves. Nobody sensible is going to place their hand in or on a wasps’ nest without planning to remove it. As Christians, we know that we need to tell others how detrimental sin is to their soul, but we’re hesitant to do so because of the sting. The growth of the tree represents minor hurdles in our effort. New limbs blocking our view, new bark constricting the movement in securing the stand in the appropriate place, and possibly new trees that have finally grown to cause problems. We encounter hurdles in evangelistic efforts as well. They can deter our focus from preparing for and reaching our goals. The heat represents our work conditions. Working on your land is difficult at times, but add the heat of summer and its almost unbearable. We live in a sinful world that loves its sinful ways, and that makes the work of a Christian almost unbearable. Thankfully, the Christian’s water supply is the best (John 4:14).
The summer storms represent the storms of life. The sun could be shining one minute and the very next could find yourself seeking shelter from a down pour. Christians are hindered when life’s storms cause us to seek shelter in the things of the world. The failing equipment represents temporary things. The only things that won’t break, tear, burn, or mess up in the work of a Christian is the Word of God (Psalm 18:30). Finally, the lack of time represents mismatched priorities. A hunter desiring a good season must put in the time in preparation. If you want your work as an evangelistic Christian to be worthwhile, you have to make it a priority to prepare and execute.
Logan Baldwin