Beware of The Rut

This day was a big hunting day for three generations of Robinsons. Of course, our freezer will be full of meat because these guys cleared shooting lanes, planted food plots and spent the time in the woods but the real reason three bucks would step into the line of fire in one day can be summed up in two words: THE RUT.

The rut is the time of the year when the testosterone levels in bucks is on the rise and they are primed for breeding. It's during this time that the normally cautious males start exhibiting reckless behavior.  Basically, they have women on their minds so they start acting stupid... so stupid that they come out during the day, chase the girls all over and are no longer on high alert for danger. It's this behavior that lands daddy deer in the back of trucks and on man-cave walls.

I only know this stuff because I have been married to a hunter for 20 years but I share this information for more than just to be informative. I believe there's a lesson in this for men.

I want guys to be reminded that it's the lust for women that brings down so many men- even men who had good things going for them. Men with families, jobs, respect and influence can lose it all in a moment because of the rut. They become reckless and let passion drive them. and unfortunately it drives them down a road to destruction. Look at Bill Cosby, Josh Duggar, and Jared, uh, Jared... the sandwich guy. Three men who had the world in their hands and they blew it all. And those are just recent examples. The list of men who gambled with sexual temptation and lost is exhaustive.

Young men, married men, heck... ALL MEN: Don't be like those bucks with eyes glazed over, running crazy paths just to get some. Think of where decisions will take you. The decision to look at porn, go on an innocent lunch date with a co-worker, or cast a second  glance in the wrong direction may seem harmless enough but when pursued, those choices will lead to your slaughter. Think of those poor, lust-sick deer in the picture and be reminded that they got off better than you will if you take the same path.

At the window of my house
    I looked down through the lattice.
7 I saw among the simple,
    I noticed among the young men,
    a youth who had no sense.
8 He was going down the street near her corner,
    walking along in the direction of her house
9 at twilight, as the day was fading,
    as the dark of night set in.

10 Then out came a woman to meet him,
    dressed like a prostitute and with crafty intent.
11 (She is unruly and defiant,
    her feet never stay at home;
12 now in the street, now in the squares,
    at every corner she lurks.)
13 She took hold of him and kissed him
    and with a brazen face she said:

14 “Today I fulfilled my vows,
    and I have food from my fellowship offering at home.
15 So I came out to meet you;
    I looked for you and have found you!
16 I have covered my bed
    with colored linens from Egypt.
17 I have perfumed my bed
    with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon.
18 Come, let’s drink deeply of love till morning;
    let’s enjoy ourselves with love!
19 My husband is not at home;
    he has gone on a long journey.
20 He took his purse filled with money
    and will not be home till full moon.”

21 With persuasive words she led him astray;
    she seduced him with her smooth talk.
22 All at once he followed her
    like an ox going to the slaughter,
like a deer[a] stepping into a noose[b]
23     till an arrow pierces his liver,
like a bird darting into a snare,
    little knowing it will cost him his life.

24 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
    pay attention to what I say.
25 Do not let your heart turn to her ways
    or stray into her paths.
26 Many are the victims she has brought down;
    her slain are a mighty throng.
27 Her house is a highway to the grave,
    leading down to the chambers of death.

(from the book of Proverbs)