n e w c h u r c h l i f e : m ay / j u n e 2 0 1 4
Notice, too, that the Lord says, “I will not drive them out before you in
one year lest perhaps the wild animal of the field multiplies against you.” What
does that mean?
Well, think of how defensive and self-justifying we can become if
something that we love or care about, or a way of life that we’ve become used
to or fond of, feels challenged or threatened. Think again of the teenage boy
who’s working on his social skills (in part) to selfish ends. He is enjoying what
he’s doing; it’s delightful to him; it’s fun; it feels vital and alive. There’s nothing
that he sees wrong with it.
If that boy’s parents were to challenge him too strongly, or too directly, and
try suddenly to take away