Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-5
Have you ever thought about that question?
I must first say that I really don’t have to hunt to live. I am amply supplied with plenty of good food without hunting. I do enjoy the variety that is produced by hunting. I do not rely on hunting as my source of financial income, so in that regard I do not hunt to live. I would then venture to say I do not hunt to live because it is not essential for keeping me alive nor for calling it my livelihood.
Back about 100 years ago in a largely agrarian society, many people did hunt to live. But today in our technological/ industrial society we find very few that would hunt to live. What I see taking place in hunting today is a desire, particularly with males, to fulfill a God-given need to provide for their families.
Part of what I really want to know – is it okay to live to hunt? Well, probably not if it consumes too much time and energy from other more important responsibilities such as work and family. Also, if I have to connive, scheme, or make excuses, then I really am avoiding what needs to be done over and above hunting. Proper stewardship comes into play here as well. Time is one of the most valuable commodities entrusted to us. To spend too much time on one thing, even while it is in season, might be the neglect of other important things. To be the provider for my family doesn’t just mean food and shelter. Provision includes other areas such as social, spiritual, relational, emotional, etc. Balance and priorities are the keys.
When I hunt, I need to properly care for the game as a provision from God. Then I begin to fit into God’s plan for me with fulfillment, stewardship, and providence coming together in one event. Proverbs 12:27 says “the lazy man does not roast his game, but the diligent man prizes his possessions.”
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank You for all the ways You provide. Help me to provide those things for others that You want me to. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
© 1997 Tom Rakow. All rights reserved. Taken from their “Devotions for Deer Hunters” Vol. IV ©. Dr. Rakow is the President of The Christian Deer Hunters Association (CDHA) and Rock Dove Publications. He has granted permission for us to post his devotions. They publish several other Christian devotions in booklets. CDHA's address is P.O. Box 432, Silver Lake, Minnesota, 55381. Their phone number is 320-327-2266. http://www.christiandeerhunters.org is their Web address. Rock Dove’s phone number is 1-888-HIS-DOVE. Their Web address is http://www.rockdove.com. Randy Rowley will be happy to check out a Rock Dove booklet (Devotions for Dog Lovers or The Story of the Prodigal Pooch) or a CDHA newsletter or devotional booklet ("Devotions for Deer Hunters" Volumes II, III, or IV) to FCS members only.