What’s Our First Response? (Part 1)

Untergang der Titanic (“Sinking of the Titanic”) by Willy Stöwer, 1912

In her article, “The Simple Secret to Surviving Any Crisis or How to Prevent Paralysis During an Emergency,” Patricia Lewis quoted military survival instructor, Dr. John Leach, on how we can prepare ourselves ahead of time:

“All you have to do is ask yourself one question – if something happens, what is my first response? Once you can answer that, everything else will fall into place. It’s that simple.”

Lewis also quoted Dr. Leach’s research on survivors and victims from dozens of life-threatening disasters from around the world:

“… around 75 percent of people are so bewildered by the situation that they are unable to think clearly or plot their escape. They become mentally paralyzed. Just 15 percent of people on average manage to remain calm and rational enough to make decisions that could save their lives. The remaining 10 percent are plain dangerous: They freak out and hinder the survival chances of everyone else.”

Why do 75% of the people in life-threatening calamities freeze and become mentally paralyzed?

Today, most Americans have the attitude that someone will take care of them and therefore they have nothing to worry about. They’ve lost the courage to think for themselves, so they put their lives into the hands of others. This propensity starts young, when schoolchildren are taught to accept without question whatever is the current government line, rather than learn independent thinking skills. As adults, we specialize in denial unless told otherwise. (Patricia Lewis)

I read this article three times before it dawned on me: most of us Christians belong under the 75% heading of victims who will be bewildered and freeze in almost every crisis. We may even fall under the 10% grouping that will freak out and hinder others in their chances for survival.

Why?

Well, what do we Christians really know?

For sure, we know how to sit in pews.  Stand when told to stand.  Sit when told to sit. Sing when told to sing. Throw a check into an offering plate when told to give. Say “Amen” when told to respond to a sermon.  And leave all decisions in the hands of the paid professionals – the clergy.

This is not biblical discipleship because we are not equipped, not built up, not walking in the unity of the faith or the knowledge of the Son of God and in His fullness.

So, what can we do?

Each of us needs to ask himself, “If something happens, what will be my first response?”

Then, we need to come up with the right answer for ourselves now.

(Continued in Part 2)