He who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god. - Aristotle
It has been a few years since I have gone camping. That may be in large part due to my wife and I's differing views on what camping is. To me it involves a rain poncho, some string, and some bottles of water. To my wife it involves a cabin, several changes of clothes, and a McDonald's within driving distance.
The difference is in the reasons we go; she goes to relax and experience nature, I go to test and perhaps find myself.
We need society, we need community. We are social creatures, we're not designed to make it all on our own. But we often see, as our greatest test, the ability to do that for which we were not designed. We want to know who we are once removed from our societal roles, are we beasts or are we gods? Do we concur the savage wilderness or do we become wild savages?
Even Jesus was no stranger to this. The beginning of His ministry on earth He went into the wild and there He was tested. He subjected Himself to the most basic of human tests and passed. But the very next thing He did was find some friends. He did not stay in the wilderness, He built a community.
The wilderness has its place but it is not meant to be our home.
What is your wilderness, have you lingered too long there?
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