Everyone was having a blast. The warm June day was the perfect weather for the Florida beach.  Little did I know what was lurking just feet from my family.

Standing in knee deep water playing with my kids, my father-in-law motioned a few feet from me.  "Look, a bass."  It was the way he said it that caused the rapid turn of my head.  My brother-in-law and I both did a double take as a small, two and a half foot shark swam gracefully just a couple feet from my legs.  We positioned ourselves between the fish and our families.  We followed it a little ways, before it swam back toward the depths.

My sense of safety in the ocean was robbed that day.  Everytime we return to the beach, I am unable to relax. My eyes constantly scanning the water…watching.  I know the predator that swam among us that day comes in "super size".  There lies my fear.

This story makes me think of another predator that lies in the depths...of my heart.  At times a miniature version of this beast comes out in the form of selfishness or it's close relative.  I know the moment I see this little demon, that I must take immediate precautions to safeguard myself.  It is important to understand that when things that are contrary to the character of Christ, come swimming around, action must be taken to avoid the danger.  Failure to do so invites the super size beast to emerge and inflict some major damage on the pursuit of Christ.  There are really no small dangers.  Even a small shark can take a nasty chunk out of a leg.  Same with the little nasty things that creep from the depths of the heart.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to recognize those things that draw us from you.  Grant us the courage to act with wisdom to turn and pursue You when they come.  Place in our hearts the desire to learn from You, how to live a holy life.  Help us practice those things that will keep You and your love ever before us.  Amen.

 


Comments


Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply