This cat was diligent about sharpening them. She would quite often hone her non existent claws, preparing them for use.

I remember, years ago, a man who had a de-scented skunk. If frightened, it would turn tail and “spray” you. It didn’t seem to understand that there was no impact anymore.

It’s easy for us to laugh at the antics of these animals as they prepare to defend themselves. We rationalize it because they have an “instinct” to protect themselves, so they don’t know any better.

So how do we explain it when people do the same things?

We save furiously, and work ourselves beyond the point of exhaustion to have lots of money. At the same time, we mortgage our lives with debt which negates the money we’ve saved for our future retirement and protection.

We develop elaborate personas to keep the world from seeing our inner selves, so we won’t get hurt. Yet the deceptions isolate us, and cause us to question the relationships we have because they might not be real.

Behavioral scientists and mental health practitioners can describe a wide range of “protective” behaviors that people have developed that turn out to be as futile as the cat sharpening her claws.

People need to remember what we need protection from and where we find that protection:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.    Ephesians 6:12-18 NIV

I’m reminded of an old adage of not bringing a knife to a gun fight. We prepare to defend ourselves against a physical world in a spiritual battle. Conventional defenses don’t work. We need to rely on the supernatural protection of God.

Until next time, may you remember to turn your struggles over to Him. When you fight remember who you're fighting against and use the right tools and weapons so you will win the battle. The victory has been won for you, but you must appropriate the right weapons of warfare.

God bless.

Darrel Mason