Recognizing that the majority is often wrong: Recognizing that the majority is often wrong Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it . Matthew 7:13-14 Character Sketches, Vol. 3 IBLP, 1978, pages 66-77 various Character Councils, & other websites Lesson 4
Who Am I?: Who Am I? In Nature… Known by many names, including “tail-in-the-air” Lives up to 7yrs in the wild, 10 in captivity Remains active all winter long From Scripture… Strong leader Warned strongly against fear & unbelief Battled to claim his inheritance
The American Red Squirrel: The American Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus ( tamia =chipmunk, sciurus = shadowtail , squirrel; hudsonicus =of the Hudson Bay, where European naturalists first reported them in 1771 ) Diet: nuts, fruits , insects, & seeds , esp. green seeds of cone-bearing trees Type: Vertebrate Weight : about 7 oz Size : 11-14” Average life span in the wild: 2-8 years Habitat: mixed hardwood-conifer forest ( esp. spruce , hemlock, pine, or fir )
Constantly on the move…: C onstantly on the move… *You make a number of nests in various locations & often each has a different use~ nursery, food storage, or sleeping *Your feet, legs, tail, & underside have sensory hairs that let you run along branches without looking *You are armed with claws to hang on to branches & not fall even in 40+mph winds… * Your greatest enemy is fear, so you attempt to be very alert
Cautiousness in Scripture : Cautiousness in Scripture Red squirrels tend to be very alert & will sound noisy alarms… (Isaiah 62:6-7) As Christians, it is our absolute work to warn the unbeliever of his or her danger, & to remind the believer of the consequences of being lax… Ezekial 33:6-9, 18-19; Matthew 7:21-27
Caution in giving…: Caution in giving… A large company expects 100% participation in an annual charity drive, and usually gets it. However, a pro-life Christian employee discovers some of the funds given support abortions. O ther at-work Christians urge him to give anyway, since the charity does so much other great work… What should he do?
He knew the dangers of disobeying God…: He knew the dangers of disobeying God… * Born a slave, he witnessed first hand the power of God & followed Him fully … Joshua 14:8 * Fear did not cause him to lose faith ; he did suffer the consequences of others’ unbelief … Numbers 14:8-10 , 22-35 *He was finally fully vindicated… Josh 14:9-15
The Gate Not Taken~ an adaptation of "The Road Not Taken“ : The Gate Not Taken~ an adaptation of "The Road Not Taken“ Two roads diverged along life's path, & sorry I could not travel both & be one traveler, long I stood & looked down the one as far as I could To where it opened, wide, peopled & fair; Then took the other, more lonely, less clear , But having perhaps the better claim , Because it was less worn & wanted wear ; Though up to the gates, the pathways had been worn about the same, Both that morning equally lay, & the choice was clearly mine. Oh , I thought to keep the first for another day! Yet knowing now to what it leads, its seductive charm has lost its shine... I shall be telling this with great joy Somewhere ages & ages hence : Two roads diverged along my path, & I? I took the one less traveled by , & that has made all the difference . Narrow is the way that leads to life …
Choose the path less taken…: Choose the path less taken… Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, & broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, & many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, & narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, & few there be that find it . Matthew 7:13-14