Today’s post, Part 2, continues our discussion from last week of a recent class assignment: Visit a museum, choose a piece of art, and write on it. Carl Rungius titled this painting Caribou’s Death Struggle. Last week, we focused on the battle between brothers. The two caribou battle to the death, but inadvertently lock horns. The victor is trapped and now faces death himself. This week, I want to point you toward the other figures in the painting. Dark ones lurk in the background, waiting for the victor to weaken. The real enemy doesn’t lift a finger. The caribou take themselves out. The wolves and vultures simply wait for a free meal.

The flesh and our inability to control it can make us an easy meal for the evil one. Refusing to master a particular sin, ignoring God’s voice, or giving in to impulse or appetite can make us easy pickings for the demonic forces.

Timothy’s second letter (2 Timothy 1:7) reads, “ For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” God expects us to practice the principles of this verse—despite the fact that culture runs counter to it. Fleshly choices have spiritual consequences, whether the choice centers on one Christmas cookie too many, one-upping the sibling that irks you, or one too many charges on the credit card.

C.S. Lewis said, “The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of.” Share on X

So, enjoy the holidays. Love fiercely. Give generously. Choose wisely.

But let the enemy go hungry this winter.

Workout of the Week: Let the Enemy Go Hungry

Memory Verse: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Meditation Passage: Genesis 4:6 “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.’”

Just Do It: Don’t feed the wolves.