Lessons from a Wildebeest
While living in California some friends bought our family season passes to the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. The Wild Animal Park allows the animals to roam in a natural setting. On our rail tour through the park the guide shared with us characteristics of different animals in their natural habitat. One that was fascinating was the wildebeest (more commonly referred to as the gnu). This is a large bearded African antelope with curved horns.
As we drove up through the African exhibit we saw a herd of wildebeests sitting in a circle. Each animal was facing in a different direction scanning the surroundings. The guide informed us that they were sitting in an “Alert Pattern” where each animal sits at alert watching for predators in order to “watch each other’s back.” Since this animal can only look in one direction at a time it is important for them to be together in a group so together they can watch out for all enemies. If one animal sees an enemy he is able to warn all the other animals. The guide also noted that if there are small wildebeests they will put the small animals in the middle of the alert circle so they will be protected by the stronger, older animals.
What struck me at this point was that this is how the church should be! We were never meant to be isolated creatures worshipping God apart from others. When we came to know Christ we were brought into a family. We can’t see all the enemies that are trying to attack us when we are alone but in community we are able to watch each other’s backs and warn one another when danger is imminent.
Peter warns us, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) We need to be on the alert and watch out for one another. As I reflect on the wildebeest I notice that they live at peace with one another because they recognize that the true enemy is not in the midst but is outside ready to attack them. Likewise we need to realize that our enemy is not our fellow Christians but the devil and his minions who want to tear us to shreds and attack our faith.
Also, we have a responsibility to protect those who are young or weak in the faith. Wildebeests know instinctively not to put the young or fragile in the front lines where they will quickly be attacked and overcome. Often in our exuberance to promote people we put young believers in positions beyond their abilities, giftedness and experience. This often causes frustration and temptations that ultimately discourage them. What we intend to help actually results in harm.
In all of life there are lessons to be learned and analogies that have value for our faith. Even taking a tour of a wild animal park gives us an opportunity to not only enjoy the diversity of nature but also consider the lessons we can learn from considering God’s creation.
