In recent weeks, a latest viral trend has arisen asking women who they might relatively meet in the course of the woods alone—a person or a bear. Like the “Roman Empire” trend we met in 2023, the reply has generated loads of debate, discussion, and controversy with differing opinions on the topic. As Christians, how should we have a look at the query, and what should our answer be?
What Is Man Versus Bear?
The query bringing up such a stir is whether or not women feel safer in the course of the woods with a person or a wild animal, specifically a bear. Many select the bear of their answer because they know men are able to rather a lot. They may be violent, assault, and cause destruction of their actions. However, men are also able to being protectors, kind, and loving godly ambassadors of Christ. Bears, then again, will attack in the event that they feel threatened or, in very rare cases, will attack with the intent of consumption. What is vital to recollect is that bears are also wild animals. If we’re this from a Christian worldview, what does this say about men if women trust a wild creature greater than a human being able to profound and cognitive thought?
Habits of Bears
Let’s consider the habits of bears to really compare them to human beings. Typically, bears live deep throughout the woods, away from humans, because they’re looking for to guard their young and themselves. Most interactions occur when humans camp of their territory or after they go into civilization in the hunt for food. According to Bear.org, “Across North America, only about 1 black bear in one million preys on someone, compared with 1 person in 18,000 murdering someone.” Most bears seldom search out someone for dinner; they’re more interested by the snacks the human brought along for his or her enterprise into the woods. The risks of being attacked or murdered by a bear are unlikely but not out of the query. This is why a correct understanding of methods to protect yourself if you happen to do encounter a bear is important before planning a deep-woods camping trip or encountering one in your property. Bears will innately seek to guard their very own life first, so in some ways, they’re more afraid of you than you’re of them, but they may attack in the event that they see it as an end to make sure their very own survival.
Habits of Man
We must also take note of the statistics and habits of human males as well. Humans outnumber wildlife exponentially, but let’s consider statistics within the “why” women might take their probabilities with bears over men. According to studies, 81% of ladies have experienced assault or attempted assault of their lifetime. This number is staggeringly high. This is just not to say that each male is a predator, but what it does say is we want to make efforts to see that number reduced in the long run, and far of that work needs to come back from the Church. We need to take a look at accountability and help men strive for higher character.
How the Church Can Help
The Bible outlines what it means to be a godly man, one which is trustworthy and secure. As the Church, we will help encourage men, especially young men, to keep up their integrity and character as they navigate life. We must understand that although these conversations can feel uncomfortable and even be seen as taboo, they hold a spot within the Church. Encouraging men to not fall into sin is rarely a mistake. 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-5 is an anchor verse on this, “For that is the need of God, your sanctification: that you just abstain from sexual immorality; that every one among you recognize methods to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the eagerness of lust just like the Gentiles who have no idea God.”
The problem with men who commit such heinous acts is that they fall prey to lust and other sins. If the Church can encourage and disciple men early on, it could prevent further damage in a while through more significant motion. Remember the words of Matthew 5:27-28, “”You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everybody who looks at a girl with lustful intent has already committed adultery along with her in his heart.”
Something small in thought will eventually grow to be something big in motion, so it have to be captured in the center before it becomes something someone acts upon. Every big act begins as a small problem, and we will help men walk a greater path by providing support, resources, and good mentorship after they are young in order that they don’t fall prey to the enemy’s lies or the spirit of lust. We must also bear in mind that there are men who’re mentally disturbed and fighting for laws and regulations to maintain men who harm another person away from hurting others is vital. We also can encourage women of their value and to know that if something feels off, unsafe, or improper of their spirit, there may be someone willing and waiting to assist; they will not be and not using a voice on this world. As someone who has experienced trauma in this manner herself, it could be very scary to talk up about it, and victims need a secure place to go after they need the assistance probably the most. The Church collectively and individuality (each of us) can play a pivotal role in helping to forestall assaults in the long run.
A Christian Woman’s View
As Christian women we must know that God values and cherishes us. It breaks His heart when someone even attempts to harm one among His daughters. Let’s help change the narrative relating to the “Man Versus Bear” debacle. At the tip of the day, women need to find a way to trust men over bears; we wish this to be a ridiculous debate. For those of us who fall in that 81%, we will understand why someone would more readily say “bear” over “man,” but that doesn’t should be the ultimate answer. We can pray for the lads we’re around, for the lads in our communities and workplaces, and for our world. Prayer changes things, and the hearts of men can change. We cannot expect the hearts of bears to alter, but we will for the hearts of men. We also can ensure measures to guard those that is likely to be vulnerable to attack, put safety regulations in place, and supply those that should not have a voice somewhere or someone to refer to. We can hold men accountable and encourage them of their value in order that they may be good and godly leaders. Let’s not remain stagnate or apathetic on this debate; let’s make a difference and see a difference in time. In the case of man versus bear, let’s pray for change in order that the reply never must be “bear.”
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Cally Logan is an writer and US History teacher from Richmond, Virginia. Her works have been featured on “The 700 Club Interactive” and Christine Caine’s “Propel Women,” amongst several notable outlets. She served as a mentor for young women for several years and enjoys difficult ladies to develop deeper relationships with God and to live fearlessly and authentically. She received her B.A. Degree from Regent University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time in nature, having real chats over coffee, and woodworking. Her latest book, The Wallflower That Bloomed, will probably be available in all places on May 1, 2024. It is about to be featured in Jesus Calling and on The 700 Club on May 28, 2024. @CallyLogan Instagram CallyLogan.com
