When you hear the word “pride” what comes to mind? In most
parts of the word “pride” is associated with the arrogant attitude of
believing highly of self. However, for people living in Tanzania the word “pride”
is associated with sleepless nights and fearful days in fields and villages.
According to Abigail Tucker writer for the Smithsonian this reality is due to the 3,000 lions and their
warring prides vying for territorial reign within the country’s borders, (Smithsonian magazine, January 2010). Tucker’s brief surveillance of numerous prides
under the guidance of foremost expert on lions, Craig Packer, granted her interesting new insights to the behaviors
of the ferocious monarchs of the animal kingdom.
Living safe and sound in the foothills of Southern
California, my reality of a pride of lions is quite different than the Tanzanians'. Having only seen
lions neutered by captivity, my affection for God’s majestic beast is
explained. Notably Disney’s heart-warming movie, The Lion King as well C.S. Lewis’ literary caricature of Jesus,
Aslan the Great Lion, have greatly encouraged adoration for the beauty of the pride. And now, for the body of Christ,
author and renowned speaker, Lisa Bevere offers more reason to regard the pride
with respect and awe.
Having studied lionesses for several
years, Lisa has gained insight to the parallel of instinctual habits of the pride and the spiritual grooming of ladies in the body of Christ. The majestic cats'
manner of interaction and care for one another not only sets them apart from
the rest of their kind, it provides an illustration of how important acceptance and social grooming are to the sustainability of the Church. Interviewed by James Robison on Life Today, Lisa Bevere emphasizes that the act of social grooming is key to helping each lioness look and act her best.
In the Church
the concept of social grooming would apply to our spiritual self which directly impacts our disposition and outward expression. The ladies of the church who engage in face to face connection and build each others spirit up through sincerity, compassionate
care, encouraging discipleship and God guided accountability glow from the beauty treatments exchanged with their sisters in Christ. The result being a body of believing women who radiate spiritual beauty
beyond compare and bring glory to the King of Kings. Just as social grooming sets lions apart from the rest of their kind, spiritual grooming should set God's children apart from the rest of mankind as well.
During our Table Talk at The FOLD
we discussed what makes us feel like we belong within our Church pride. The
ladies shared that being acknowledged, greeted, embraced, invited, listened to,
remembered, encouraged, appreciated and prayed for made them feel valued and a part. When these
expressions toward each other are absent in the Church, the ladies in the pride
become vulnerable to attack. For the enemy of our souls roams around like
a roaring lion seeking to kill and destroy us all, (1 Peter 5:8). Left outside the circle of
fellowship sisters in Christ suffer more than the loss of spiritual grooming. This rejection and exclusion can
lead to heartache and despair which can produce poor attitudes toward their church family and lead to ungodly behavior. The result is a disconnected and un-kept pride of women who do not bring glory to God.
In the lion’s world, the threat of attack from roaming males looking to take over a pride warrants the
lionesses remain on guard. They suffer greatly when a challenger enters
their realm; their cubs are mercilessly put to death by the conquering beast
and the lionesses are often killed while trying to protect their young. Interestingly the new
insight Abigail Tucker shares of Craig Packer’s research of the pride is that
the lionesses’ curious close quarters are not due to social harmony as previously
determined but instead for protection. Simply stated, the pride’s survival rests on the closeness of the lionesses. Without their fortifying relational bonds the pride's chances to increase in number are lost.
Caring for the pride is critical. Whether you visit the ailing,
encourage the downtrodden or lend a helping hand to a ministry leader, reach out and draw your sisters in Christ near. Strengthen your sisters and you fortify
Christ’s Church. In the words of Lisa Bevere, “Our truest beauty is not
reflected in our own mirror but in how we have affected other people.”
May the pride of the
Lion of Judah be known for great beauty!
Tracy Frazier
For further contemplation watch the short
Inspirational Video and music video below.
Video: Lisa Bevere - Strengthening Each Other LIFE Today/James Robison
Worship Song: Laura Story - Mighty to Save (hit pause and let video load a bit before playing)
Lisa Bevere says our differences are important to help
strengthen the pride of women in God’s Church. How does drawing on the
strengths of women in the pride make a difference to the body and to you personally?
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