“Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world - the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride life - is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17
Recently my dad went on a fishing trip to Alaska and he came back with so many stories to tell. One particular story really resonated with me because I see it as a metaphor for our walk as Christians; well, at least my walk as a Christian.
One day while fishing near some dangerous rocks my dad and his buddies found themselves in some serious trouble. You see, they were having such a good time fishing and they were catching so many fish, that they stopped paying attention to where they were in the water. The captain was supposed to watch the drift, and as they got close to the rocks he was supposed to move them back out a safe distance. But he wanted to get in on the fishing action and picked up a pole instead of manning the lookout. Sure enough they found themselves heading for the rocks with little room for correction. Fortunately, the captain realized what was happening before they crashed into the rocks, and they were able to get out of harms way. But not before scaring everyone out of a couple years worth of fishing trips.
As my dad recounted this story, the Lord impressed upon my heart how this is a picture of how I often live my Christian walk. I can easily let the cares and riches of this world become my focus instead of my walk with the Lord. I take my eyes off the Lord and chase after the things of this world and the drifting starts. Before you know it I start to become lazy in my walk with the Lord, and I am heading toward the rocks with ever increasing speed. Just in time, the Lord provides a course correction and He uses situations like my dad’s fishing trip to remind me to be vigilant and intentional in my walk with Him.
1 Peter 5:6-8 reminds me that I need to stay on my toes. “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
It’s true. Our enemy seeks to destroy us and he uses subtle ways to draw us away from our relationship with God. Don’t allow yourself to drift. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.
John Ohanian
Recently my dad went on a fishing trip to Alaska and he came back with so many stories to tell. One particular story really resonated with me because I see it as a metaphor for our walk as Christians; well, at least my walk as a Christian.
One day while fishing near some dangerous rocks my dad and his buddies found themselves in some serious trouble. You see, they were having such a good time fishing and they were catching so many fish, that they stopped paying attention to where they were in the water. The captain was supposed to watch the drift, and as they got close to the rocks he was supposed to move them back out a safe distance. But he wanted to get in on the fishing action and picked up a pole instead of manning the lookout. Sure enough they found themselves heading for the rocks with little room for correction. Fortunately, the captain realized what was happening before they crashed into the rocks, and they were able to get out of harms way. But not before scaring everyone out of a couple years worth of fishing trips.
As my dad recounted this story, the Lord impressed upon my heart how this is a picture of how I often live my Christian walk. I can easily let the cares and riches of this world become my focus instead of my walk with the Lord. I take my eyes off the Lord and chase after the things of this world and the drifting starts. Before you know it I start to become lazy in my walk with the Lord, and I am heading toward the rocks with ever increasing speed. Just in time, the Lord provides a course correction and He uses situations like my dad’s fishing trip to remind me to be vigilant and intentional in my walk with Him.
1 Peter 5:6-8 reminds me that I need to stay on my toes. “Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
It’s true. Our enemy seeks to destroy us and he uses subtle ways to draw us away from our relationship with God. Don’t allow yourself to drift. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith.
John Ohanian
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