Before We Dive In!

Though many public pools or swimming areas don't have them today, I love when I find one that has a diving board. Though far from having perfect diving form, I do enjoy twists, back flips, and forward flips. I also enjoy the high dive. However, before one dives into a pool it is wise to make sure there is water there. Before one dives into a lake, river, or other body of water, it is wise to make certain there are no obstructions hidden just below the surface that may cause injury or death. The same is true when preparing to plunge into some of the activities of life. What are we jumping into?

When we consider the things into which we dive into in life, what is the benefit we are receiving? Many continue to plunge into the pleasures of the moment not giving thought to the regrets that often soon follow. Someone has said, "In diving to the bottom of pleasures, we bring up more rocks of sorrows than pearls of joy." [source: "1600 Squibs And Quips", compiled by E. C. McKenzie]

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul wrote. . .
"(20) For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. (21) But WHAT FRUIT WERE YOU GETTING AT THAT TIME FROM THE THINGS OF WHICH YOU ARE NOW ASHAMED? For THE END OF THOSE THINGS IS DEATH." ( Romans 6:20-21 ESV)

Lest we step back or allow ourselves to be drawn back into some of those things of the past, let us remember the poor FRUIT that resulted. How many times have we ended up with a handful of rocks rather than pearls? Besides being of no value, the rocks would like to sink us. Let us recognize so we can avoid that which leads to death or separation from God rather than leading us into the righteousness of God.

Paul went on to state. . .
"(22) But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, THE FRUIT YOU GET LEADS TO SANCTIFICATION AND ITS END, ETERNAL LIFE. (23) For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." ( Romans 6:22-23 ESV)

This is the end -- ETERNAL LIFE -- we need to make certain is THE FRUIT of what we plunge our lives into. May we continue to acknowledge the value of this pearl provided by God as we live sanctified lives -- set apart from the world for His purposes and will -- before Him.

Have a great day LOOKING BEFORE WE LEAP!
Carl

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