Bible Study Verses
Ephesians 2:12-13
Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (NIV)
Thoughts
A couple of years ago I received an email "alert" from a conservation organization stating their concerns over a proposed amendment to state law that would make hunting and fishing a constitutional right. At first glance, a sportsman might say, "Right on!"; but a little more in-depth research may (or may not) change one's mind. Currently, hunting and fishing in my state is a privilege (like driving), not a "right"; meaning that, a person could lose their privilege to hunt or fish based on, let's say, a serious violation of laws governing hunting and fishing (like poaching).
What if there were no consequences for someone who illegally harvests a game animal? What would be the incentive for following hunting regulations, or harvest quotas, if everyone else was ignoring them? Let's be grateful for the laws and the justice system we have that protect the best interests of our game animals.
(Ruben C)
Action Point
Worshiping God is a privilege because salvation is a gift. What a miracle it is that we are even breathing. We all, at one time or another, were one breath, one heartbeat away from an eternity without God. It's by God's grace, alone, that we can be here.
My question is, would we feel the same way about salvation if it were a guaranteed "right", if there were no consequences for sin? Everyone would go to Heaven whether or not they acknowledged Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior? Human nature being what it is, if that were the case, we might just take salvation for granted.
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it," Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV).
Jesus describes the path that leads us to salvation should we decide to make the commitment. This same advice, I think, is a good carry-over (I love it when that happens!) for what our attitude should be toward our privilege to hunt and fish.
Sportsmen's Tip of the Day
Stay informed on what is going on in your state with regard to proposed legislation for conservation laws that affect outdoor sports; and special interest groups that are trying to push bills through your state legislature that may or may not be in your best interest. Most state conservation agencies have open houses and town hall meetings that allow sportsmen the opportunity to present their arguments for or against such issues.
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