our wild hearts: how deepening our bond with other animals can transform our lives--and save theirs

Our Wild Hearts: How Deepening Our Bond with Other Animals Can Transform Our Lives--and Save Theirs

As humans, we often find ourselves drawn to animals in ways that transcend mere admiration or fascination. Whether it's the majesty of a mountain lion or the playfulness of a puppy, our connection to other creatures can be a powerful and transformative experience. But what happens when we take this bond a step further, and begin to see ourselves as part of a larger web of life? How might deepening our understanding of animal nature and behavior change us--and potentially even save them?

To explore these questions, let's turn to the book of Ephesians, where Paul writes about putting on the full armor of God. In Ephesians 6:11, he instructs believers to stand firm against the schemes (methodeia) of the devil. But what does this mean? To better understand this concept, let's examine some definitions of 'scheme'.

A scheme can be seen as a plan of action, designed to achieve a major or overall aim. It might also refer to a strategy, a carefully arranged and systematic program of action for attaining some object or end. But what does this have to do with demonic activity in our lives?

According to Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, demons are spiritual beings that operate under the authority of Satan, seeking to deceive and destroy humanity. They use various tactics to achieve their goals, including lying, manipulation, and division. In the face of such evil, Paul's instruction to put on the full armor of God takes on new significance.

As we consider how our bond with other animals might transform our lives and potentially save theirs, let's not forget the importance of recognizing and resisting demonic schemes. By putting on the armor of God, including truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God, we can better withstand the temptations and deceptions that Satan and his minions may use to distract us from our mission.

But what does this have to do with animals? In many cases, demonic activity manifests through fear, anxiety, and confusion. By recognizing these emotions as potential indicators of demonic influence, we can take steps to address them and break free from their grip.

As we deepen our bond with other animals, let's also recognize the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in our relationships with them. By seeing ourselves as part of a larger web of life, we can work towards creating a more just and compassionate world--one that honors the inherent value and dignity of all living beings.

As Warren Wiersbe notes in his book 'The Strategy of Satan', Satan's ultimate goal is to destroy humanity and rule over the earth. By recognizing and resisting demonic schemes, we can play a key role in thwarting this plan and creating a brighter future for ourselves and our animal friends.

In conclusion, deepening our bond with other animals can be a powerful way to transform our lives--and potentially even save theirs. By recognizing the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding, as well as resisting demonic schemes, we can work towards creating a more just and compassionate world. Let us put on the full armor of God, and stand firm against the schemes of the devil--for the benefit of all creatures great and small.

Our wild hearts: how deepening our bond with other animals can transform our lives--and save theirs