Join a Hunt!

Hunting season is here again!

I have to admit that there is definitely an art to hunting. I am amazed at the preparation some will do to get ready for the hunt. Months before the season, the hunting area is scoped out. Some even take pictures of animals that are in the area. It is an art of keen observation and placement. Once the observation is noted, placement is the key. The hunter has to be in the right place at the right time with the right weapon. Any mistake in any of these areas could lead to a miss.

Now let me be clear. I am making a distinction between hunters and animal trainers. Yes, you hear this every year. But there is a breed of animal trainers that are presenting themselves as hunters. Animal trainers have actually trained the animal to come to the place where they will be shot. There is different sort of preparation for animal trainers. Animal trainers have television (with cable), refrigerators, and heaters in their deer stands. If this sounds "snooty", it is. If you are an animal trainer that is offended, try becoming a hunter.

So, back to hunters---now that you have the distinction.

Hunters are about fair practice for both the hunter and the deer. The deer has the edge in terms of instinct and smell. However, the hunter has the advantage of knowledge, weapons, and skill. The hunter is engaged in the world of the deer for a specific purpose. A good hunter has trained their body to not breathe, snort, sneeze, burp, or even pass gas when the shot is near.

I wonder what the faith would look like if Christians would become serious about engagement with the world for a specific purpose.

Many Christians become like animal trainers. These folks are looking for the latest gimmick or catch to bring in those heathens. Usually such tactics produce a negative view of the faith and of the church. It is obvious what is going on. They are looking for "stars in their crowns". For you who do not know what that is, it is kind of like a deer on the wall—like many deer on one wall.

Serious engagement with the world for a specific purpose is quite different. This approach wants to be in relationship with people. This approach invites listening and story telling. This emphasis has the purpose of bringing friends to Christ and to the church, not just people. The journey is a common journey we take together.

Now admittedly I do not want to take the hunting analogy too far. The faith is not about preying. But interestingly enough, it is about praying. Prayer is the manner in which God invites you into a serious engagement with the world for a specific purpose. Listening for such prayers leads us into relationships that are fruitful.

During this hunting season, maybe the invitation that God gives us is to join a hunt! The Gospel of John reminds us that Jesus came into the world, not to condemn but that the world might be saved!