Irrational Creature of Instinct

Sally, doing guard duty from the dining room chair! Her instinct tells
her to warn the neighborhood when the UPS truck arrives. 

Scripture:

2Pet. 2:10b Bold and willful, they are not afraid to slander the glorious ones, ¹¹ whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not bring against them a slanderous judgment from the Lord. ¹² These people, however, are like irrational animals, mere creatures of instinct, born to be caught and killed. They slander what they do not understand, and when those creatures are destroyed, they also will be destroyed,  

Observation:

Peter begins with a description of those who despise authority. These are the ones who are bold, or daring — having no concern for the consequences of their actions, either for themselves or for others. At the same time they are willful, or arrogant — so obsessed with what they want for themselves that absolutely nothing else, and no one else is taken into consideration. They are willing to be critical and slander other people. Peter then describes the spiritual creatures, the angels, who are much more cautious. “If the angels who did not sin withhold accusation against those who did, then there is no place for man (who is inferior in strength and power) to revile and insult the fallen angels” (Mounce 1982, 131).

The warning about becoming a creature of instinct is significant. This is in contrast to becoming “partakers of the divine nature” that Peter speaks about earlier. Instead of being “in Christ” and fellowshipping with the Triune God, these individuals choose to act and react out of instinct. As a result they often do not know what they are talking about, slandering that which they do not understand. They are acting and reacting like the fallen heavenly beings, but ignoring their very presence. C. S. Lewis reminds us that the greatest victory of Satan “comes when people act as if he doesn’t exist.  But, in an overreaction to such neglect, some Christians go too far the other direction, giving too much credit to spiritual beings and failing to claim the benefits of Christ’s victory over them at the cross” (ZIBBNCT, Moo).

Application:

Peter is really contrasting the holy life that is intended by participation in God with those who choose to do their own thing. Because of the presence of sin, we become irrational creatures of instinct. This means that we are driven by the flesh and continually seek to satisfy our own desires. We tend to glorify those who are “bold” and “daring” and yet, these individuals act out of instinct for their own selfish good, and not for the good of the community as a whole. 

Holiness of heart and life changes everything and is a life lived in stark contrast to what Peter is portraying. Instead of a “bull in a china shop” boldness, there is humility that makes one stop and think before they act. This thinking is directed by our relationship with Jesus Christ and it leads us to having concern for others. Love of God and love of neighbor consume us as we fellowship with God. When we slow down enough to spend time in God’s holy presence our behavior changes. Influenced by the presence of the Holy Spirit in us, we focus on how we can become more like Christ in this world. It is the character of Christ that is reflected in all that we do. No longer are we bold and willful — seeking our own way in all things, but we become filled with the holy love of God that desires the good of the other. This is radically different from those who are irrational creatures of instinct. 

Irrational creatures of instinct get themselves into trouble. It may feel good to begin with, but eventually the trajectory changes to such an extent that major damage ensues. Peter knew this was the case and that’s why he was so adamant, warning about false teachers. Self-discipline and taking the time to get to know God are not always popular concepts, because they take time. Instinct wants instant gratification. We are invited into a relationship that takes the long-view of all things. God is not in a hurry, but sees the whole picture. 

There is an Enemy who is tantalizing and encouraging us to simply jump in and do what feels right. Only by participating in the presence of God are we able to stand firm through every trial. This is the life of holiness to which we are called. Instinct does not rule, but Christ does. 

Prayer:

Lord, may you lead me into a deeper walk with you every day. I do not want to be bold and willful, but want to reflect your character. I still have so much to learn, and am grateful for your patience. May today be another day in which I learn from you. Amen.