A SPIRITUAL DIVE

A SPIRITUAL DIVE

Kim has just done the first part of a scuba diving course. The other week we heard someone during our service draw an analogy between spitting into your mask before going for dive, and obeying the Lord without question. In that instance, although there is a practical reason for doing it, most divers do it because they were taught to do it and may have never considered that there was a good reason for it (it stops your mask fogging up). In a similar way, many believers are taught the Word of God and obey it without question - without ever considering that there may be a practical reason for it. Kim came home the other day very excited about learning to dive and shared some further spiritual lessons from her diving experience.

Eph. 5:15 ¶ Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise

Firstly, she had to pass a test on the theory of diving. Many people start out in the Christian Walk being taught the tenents (the beliefs) of Christianity. For some, learning these beliefs about God, Christ, salvation, man's state, Satan, the age to come, the Resurrection and eternal judgment, may all seem merely theoretical - and like spitting in your mask - may not immediately appear to have a practical implication. But as Kim discovered, reading the compulsory 250page Diving Manual before diving is not just literary torture, but may actually save your life!

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
2Timothy 3:14

Secondly, Kim learned that you should never dive alone. Safe diving is not diving alone. In the same way, the Christian walk is not ordained to be lived alone. Christianity is a common faith. We live with a common mission, a common vision, a common set of beliefs, and a common care for each other. When we become a Christian, we are commanded to not merely look out for our own interests, but to take an interest in our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4

Thirdly, Kim learned that you must not take risks with your resources. If you think that something's not quite right with your dive equipment, don't use it - until you've fixed it. In a similar way, if something is not quite right with your walk with the Lord (or His people) - don't ignore it - apply some repentance and fix it. The dive instructor stressed to Kim that you might think your mask is cracked moments before a dive but you feel that you would hold things up if your said something about it. But to dive a mask you suspected was cracked could not only injure you but those diving with you. Sometimes we fail to take care to examine our spiritual resources. Neglecting your spiritual resources such as Bible reading, journaling, prayer, church attendance, ministry service, personal witnessing, family-time, or giving, may need attention before you proceed into some spiritual peril.

Father, help us to follow Christ well. May we understand in clearer terms the eternal consequences at stake in getting our foundations, fellowships and faith in good order. Cause us to be able to forgive others quickly and readily. Let no root of bitterness invade our souls. Fill our hearts with Your love for You, Your Word, and Your people. May we take as much diligence in following You as a diver takes in diving. In Jesus Name', Amen.

Eph. 3:21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Ps. Andrew