Even a strong swimmer can be briefly overcome when the sudden drop-off in the depth of water snatches the comfort of weight-bearing sand from beneath their feet. The shock of a sudden loss of support leaves the body dangling momentarily until a full-body effort to remain afloat shifts into a battle between composure, body composition and natural buoyancy. Reaction time is critical as the need for air dictates the level of urgency needed to bridge the gap between panic and relaxation. Doing nothing equates to suicide and useless, uncoordinated flailing will only take a squirming soul into further despair; into deeper waters where time is the critical enemy of a safe turnaround.
The metaphorical relationship between stepping off the edge of shallow water and stepping into sin is fairly obvious. Stepping off the edge, falling and drowning are all terms we use to describe the condition of a backslider. The parallels of sinking into one’s own self-inflicted peril are palpable; almost visible, but deep waters exist on either side of sin.
On the God side of sin, shallow thinking deepens consequences and allows the deception of comfort; the illusion of safety while wading into spiritual naiveté. Visions of ourselves in the full armor of God, fending off sins with the sword of the Spirit and changing people’s lives with our knowledge of the Word, offering the assurance of a straight path from day-of-confession to the judgment, Summa Cum Laude. Heaven rejoices for us and we stroll down streets of gold with the Apostle Paul, taking selfies and putting them on Instagram.
Conversely, the shock of imperfection brings a sobering reality akin to dangling in the cold deep waters and reaction time becomes the critical factor between swimming and fighting water. Realizing that God’s will is in direct opposition to yours can be the jolt that generates resistance, like fighting against sudden bottomlessness to regain your footing after the initial drop-off. Momentary relapses into old temptations and habits can rain showers of condemnation on top of wavering confidence, like looking up from the deep and not being able to see the sunlight. Personal challenges and attacks from the inner circle of our intimate relationships can be the rip current, that causes an overwhelming tidal surge and sweeps a lifeless mannequin back into the world.
Jesus is our personal lifeguard and the key to keeping our spiritual footing. The strength of our relationship with Him will determine how prepared and well trained we are to swim in the deep water. At the first sign of trouble He is waiting for our help call. If we decide to wade a little further or find our own way, we will likely find the cold depth of our helplessness without Him and end up dangling for a time. When we hear His whistle, we should take the quickest route to get out of the water.
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
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