Looking Is Not Beholding: Learning from the Bees

Mesmerized. I stood there for a good twenty minutes in awe, taking in the seemingly simple scene. I was watching…bees.

As they rhythmically bounced from flower to flower in search of nourishment from nature, I was captivated by the gentle hum of their wings and the way they instinctively knew where to go next.

There is something special about pausing long enough to take in a moment, not just as a passerby but as someone fully present. It made me think about how there is a difference between looking at beauty and beholding beauty.

The Difference Between Looking and Beholding

Looking is easy. It’s quick, fleeting, and often transactional. We look at a sunrise, snap a picture, and move on. We glance at a friend while they’re talking but let our minds drift elsewhere. We read Scripture in the morning but rush past its meaning, forgetting it’s a feast prepared for us.

Looking is consumeristic because it keeps us at the center. It asks, ‘What can I get from this?’ rather than, ‘How can I see God in this?’

Beholding, though, is different. Beholding takes time. It’s intentional. It requires time, stillness, and a willingness to let something—or Someone—shape us. Beholding is unhurried.

Beholding beauty means we don’t just consume it; we let it consume us. We allow it to penetrate our souls. It changes our perspective, reorients our priorities, and reminds us that we are not at the center of the universe—God is.

As we behold, we invite God’s agenda to become our agenda, instead of the other way around.

Beholding the Lord

I don’t want to settle for just looking at God. I don’t want my time with Him to be a passing glance or a quick check-in before moving on to the next thing. I want to behold Him—to sit in His presence, to marvel at His goodness, to let Him have His way in me.

How often do we only look at God instead of beholding Him?

Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Not rush through, not glance at, but be still.

We pull out our journals, write down a quick prayer, and call this “communing with the Lord.” We consume Scripture just to increase our knowledge, instead of meditating and feasting on God’s very Word to us. We treat time with God like a task rather than an invitation to deep relationship.

But do you believe you can enjoy God?

To pause. To be still before Him. To talk to Him. To listen to Him. To delight in Him—not out of obligation but because He is good.

Practicing Beholding in Everyday Life

Beholding the Lord is not simply reserved for our structured prayer and Bible study, but it is for the mundane moments too. A life saturated with God, by God, and for God.

It happens in the slow, quiet moments—making our bed, washing the dishes, going for a walk, noticing His creation. These are all opportunities for communion, for beholding. Because God is ever-present in the ordinary.

He is an unhurried, patient Creator, inviting us into a way of life that isn’t about productivity but about presence.

So what would it look like for us to behold Him today?

Maybe it’s taking an extra moment in prayer, not rushing to fill the silence. Maybe it’s going for a walk without distractions (bye-bye AirPods), letting yourself be fully present. Maybe it’s simply paying attention—the way the wind moves, to the song of a bird, to the taste of your morning coffee.

Because when we behold, we worship. And when we worship, we are changed.

How the Seven Laws of the Wild Apply to the Christian Faith

During my travels through Botswana and South Africa in July 2024, I had the privilege of exploring safari lodges and learning from knowledgeable guides. At one of the properties, Londolozi, a renowned game reserve in the Sabi Sands, the guides shared with me the "Seven Laws of the Wild." These “laws” are essential principles for survival in the wilderness. As I have learned about them, the Lord has instructed me that just as these laws guide behavior in the wild, our spiritual journey with the Lord demands a similar level of alertness. As 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Reflecting on these laws alongside Biblical teachings can offer profound insights into how we navigate the challenges of life.

The Seven Laws of the Wild:

1. Always Be Awake, Alert, and Aware

2. See Before You Are Seen and Hear Before You Are Heard

3. Assume Nothing, Expect Everything

4. Be Aware of Yourself and Be Aware of Others

5. Avoid Unnecessary Conflict

6. Know What You Are Protecting

7. Be Kind, Leave Your Ego Behind

Always Be Awake, Alert, and Aware

Just as prey must stay alert to avoid predators, we must remain spiritually vigilant to resist temptation and stay firm in Christ while in this broken world. By continually watching and praying, we prepare to face trials, avoid falling into temptation, and eagerly await Christ’s return.

Scripture: Matthew 26:41 - "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

See Before You Are Seen and Hear Before You Are Heard

Spiritual discernment is like having a heightened sense of awareness in the wild. By being perceptive to the Enemy’s schemes, we can avoid falling into sin, cloaking ourselves in the beauty of remaining in Christ.

Scripture: Proverbs 27:12 - "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."

Assume Nothing, Expect Everything

Just as predators in the wild can strike unexpectedly, we must remain humble and ready. Assuming we are immune to temptation can lead to personal downfall. Thus, we should always be prepared for spiritual warfare and be ready to respond, equipped in the truth of Scriptures and the Word of the Lord.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:12 - "Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall."

Be Aware of Yourself and Be Aware of Others

Understanding our own weaknesses and being mindful of the struggles of others is important for cultivating strong, authentic community and accountability. By being vulnerable, holding one another accountable, and carrying each others’ burdens, we strengthen our collective defense against the Enemy.

Scripture: Galatians 6:1 - "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted."

Avoid Unnecessary Conflict

In the wild, avoiding unnecessary fights can mean the difference between life and death. Similarly, responding with gentleness rather than harshness can prevent conflicts from escalating, protecting us from division and maintaining unity amongst one another.

Scripture: Proverbs 15:1 - "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Know What You Are Protecting

Just as wildlife conservationists diligently protect and care for different species in the bush, we must be equally vigilant in safeguarding our hearts and our relationship with the Lord. We must be proactive in nurturing and protecting our inner life, making sure it remains aligned with the God's heart and free from the harmful influences of sin, the world, and the Enemy.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23 - "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."

Be Kind, Leave Your Ego Behind

While in the wild, approaching animals with kindness and humility minimizes the risk of provoking aggression. Respecting their space not only ensures safety but also allows for successful conservation efforts and increases our understanding of wildlife. Humility and kindness are powerful fruits of the Holy Spirit for fighting division and pride, which the Enemy often uses to sow discord. By humbly placing others before ourselves, we become individuals that are formed by the love of Christ and reflect His love amidst the craziness of this world.

Scripture: Philippians 2:3 - "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."

Conclusion

Reflecting on these Seven Laws of the Wild and relevant truths from the Word of God, I am reminded that as we disciple under Jesus we must remain alert and intentional. The wild is unforgiving, and so is the spiritual battle we are in against the principalities of the world. Grounding ourselves in the love of Christ and in God’s Word, we can stand firm against the Enemy’s attacks and walk faithfully with Yahweh Elohim—the Lord God. Let us prayerfully stay awake, alert, and aware, always seeking to protect our hearts, live humbly, and spread Christ’s love in a world that desperately needs it.

The Prey’s Strategy: Insights from 1 Peter 5:8

In the wild, prey animals have developed remarkable strategies to evade predators, particularly lions. These strategies not only help them survive but can also teach us valuable lessons for our spiritual lives. Drawing from the vivid imagery Peter uses in 1 Peter 5:8—“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour”—we can explore how the survival tactics of prey animals offer practical insights into defending ourselves against spiritual dangers.

Stay Vigilant and Alert

Prey animals constantly use their senses—sight, hearing, and smell—to detect predators early. This attentiveness allows them to react before it’s too late. Similarly, staying spiritually alert through prayer and knowing the Truth—through reading Scripture—helps us detect the Enemy’s schemes before they can harm us.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18 - "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Avoid Exposed Areas

Prey animals often seek out cover, like tall grass or dense brush, to stay hidden from predators. Being in open areas makes them more vulnerable to attack. Avoiding spiritual "exposed areas" means staying away from situations that make us vulnerable to temptation or attack. Surrounding ourselves with spiritual support and staying in the “cover” of God’s truth and community helps us remain protected.

Scripture: Psalm 91:1 - "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty."

Move in Groups

Many prey species travel in groups, which offers protection through numbers. It’s harder for a predator to single out an individual when surrounded by others. Being part of a Christian community provides support and accountability. Fellow believers help us stand firm in faith and offer protection from spiritual attacks.

Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9 - "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil."

Be Prepared to Flee

When prey detects a predator, their immediate response is to flee quickly. Speed and agility are crucial for escaping an attack. Our response to recognizing temptation or the Enemy’s attacks should be swift. Turning to God, seeking His strength, and fleeing from temptation are key to spiritual survival.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 - "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:22 - "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart."

Stay in the Light

Prey animals are less likely to be caught if they remain in well-lit areas where predators can be seen. Darkness provides cover for predators, making them harder to detect. Staying in the light of God’s truth and transparency helps protect us from spiritual attacks. Living honestly and openly with God and others hinders the power of the Enemy, who thrives in darkness and secrecy.

Scripture: John 3:20-21 - "For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God."

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-7 - "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

Scripture: Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."

Conclusion

By understanding the survival strategies of prey animals, parallels for defending ourselves against spiritual threats are gleaned. Just as prey animals must stay alert, seek cover, stay in groups, be prepared to flee, and remain in the light, we too must adopt these strategies to stand firm against the prowling lion. In Christ, we are equipped with all we need to overcome the Enemy with confidence and assurance.

The Lion’s Strategy: Insights from 1 Peter 5:8

In his first letter, the apostle Peter writes, “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Here, Peter uses vivid wildlife imagery to draw a powerful comparison between the devil and a lion, emphasizing the predatory nature of both. As Peter finds this comparison fitting, I believe we can gain valuable insights into the spiritual dangers we face as Christ-followers by examining the behavior of lions.

Lions Prowl: The Strategic Hunter

Lions are strategic hunters, carefully observing their prey and waiting for the right moment to strike. They patiently stalk their targets, seeking out the weak or vulnerable. Similarly, the Enemy studies our weaknesses and waits for opportunities to attack. Just as a lion seizes the moment when its prey is off guard, the devil preys on our spiritual weaknesses and distractions.

James 1:14-15 reminds us of this danger: “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” The devil’s strategy is to exploit our desires and temptations, leading us down a path that ends in spiritual destruction.

Counter Strategy: James 4:7 advises, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” By staying spiritually alert to the Enemy’s schemes and submitting to God, we can resist the devil’s advances and protect ourselves from his attacks.

Lions Are Camouflaged & Silent: Masters of Stealth

Lions are masters of stealth. In the wild, their golden-brown coats blend seamlessly with the tall grasses and dense brush, allowing them to move undetected until it’s too late for the prey to escape. Their advantage lies in their ability to remain unseen and unheard, striking when least expected.

Similarly, the Enemy operates in secrecy, often hiding his true intentions and blending in with our surroundings and circumstances. He disguises temptations, making them appear harmless or even appealing. His goal is to strike when we are least aware, catching us off guard and leading us into sin.

Counter Strategy: Paul urges believers in Ephesians 5:11 to “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” By living in the light of God’s truth, we can see the devil’s schemes for what they are. Exposing the Enemy’s lies and refusing to let him enter into our thoughts, desires, and actions disrupts his ability to deceive us.

Lions Roar: A Display of Power

A lion's roar is one of the most powerful sounds in the animal kingdom, being audible from as far as five miles away. This roar serves multiple purposes: it marks territory, communicates with other lions, and establishes dominance within a pride. The sound itself is a display of strength, meant to intimidate potential rivals and remind other animals of the lion’s power. A roaring lion can paralyze its prey with fear before the hunt even begins, reducing the need for a physical chase.

The Enemy, too, uses fear as a weapon, aiming to paralyze us with anxiety, doubt, and intimidation. Just as a lion’s roar can serve as a warning to others, the devil’s attacks can remind us of our need to remain cloaked in God’s strength, not our own.

Counter Strategy: 2 Timothy 1:7 encourages us, stating, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” While the devil may try to overwhelm us with fear, we are reminded that God has given us a spirit of power. We do not face the Enemy’s threats alone; the Holy Spirit within us is powerful enough to overcome fear and stand firm, much like how other lions in a pride may roar back to show unity and strength.

Lions Have a Low Kill Rate: The Limits of the Enemy’s Power

Despite their fearsome reputation, lions have been known to succeed in only 17-30% of their hunts. This statistic serves as a reminder that although the devil is powerful, he is not all-powerful. Our alertness and trust in God as our Protector can help us fend off his attacks.

Counter Strategy: 1 John 4:4 reinforces this truth: “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” The power of God within us is far greater than any power the Enemy possesses. By standing firm in our faith in Christ Jesus, we can overcome his attempts to devour us.

Lions Are Most Successful at Night: The Danger of Darkness

Lions are most successful hunters at night, especially in dense cover where they can remain hidden. The devil, too, thrives in spiritual darkness. He preys on those who stray from the light of God’s truth and community, where his attacks are most effective.

Counter Strategy: Jesus’ warns us about the dangers of darkness in John 3:19-21: “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” Staying in the light—living in God’s truth by confession within the fellowship of other believers—helps protect us from the Enemy’s assaults.

Conclusion

By understanding the behavior of lions, we gain intriguing insights into the strategies of our spiritual Enemy. The devil prowls, roars, and hides in the shadows, but we are not defenseless. Through alertness, reliance on God’s strength, and living in the light, we can recognize the Enemy’s tactics and stand firm against his attacks. As we face this prowling lion, we do so with the assurance that in Christ, we have already overcome.