Photo ©2011 and Commentary ©2026 by Chuck Davis
Monday, March 16, 2026
Perfect blue sky, fluffy pure white snow. When I am teaching backcountry winter-safety, I call this the wedding cake environment. What about this environment, could possibly be dangerous? Snow on a hill probably refreshes our memories of sledding, a day off from school, fun and happy times, right? But each year more than 150 deaths occur worldwide due to avalanche accidents. In the U.S. five to seven people suffocate each year after falling into a snow-filled tree well.
The Bible warns about the deceptiveness of beauty:
- Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting (Proverbs 31:30 NIV).
- Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight (1Peter 3:3-4 NIV)
God created the world to be beautiful, but he also wants us to be full of wisdom. Be like Solomon and ask Him for a discerning heart. Like Satan, prowling about, seeking whom he may devour, an avalanche might be hidden in the beauty of the scene.