Standing at the Water's Edge

Jump in....the water's fine. You've heard that expression many times. The people already in the pool are really enjoying themselves, splashing each other and creating waves. Screeching with delight. Then there, at the water's edge, stands the nervous ninny, teetering on the brink of decision. To jump? Or not to jump? Jump? Not to jump? Is it fear of the unknown? Or maybe, it is actually the fear of what is known.

In the beginning a novice swimmer may be hesitant, but learns by experience that the water is great fun. With a gentle splash or so, a little encouragement from friends and a lot of courage they soon become adventurous spirits happily diving in over their heads without considering realities. The only thing they have to rely on is their buoyancy in the water. No sides to cling to. No floating devices. Just themselves and faith in the essence that surrounds them. For these fearless ones, the very thought of jumping into a cool clear pool or lake fills them with great anticipation and excitement. Fear is not an issue.

But for some, there is nothing but fear. A dry swimmer knows for a fact that the water is going to be much colder than his own personal 98.6 degrees. He is sure, beyond a shadow of doubt, the sudden change in temperature will be a most uncomfortable shock to his system, if even for a moment. Dipping his big toe in first confirms his suspicions. He knows that he will sink if he jumps in. He knows water will go over his head. He will have to close his eyes. Hold his breath. There will be no bottom to touch. He will feel helpless and floundering. He wraps his towel around himself even tighter and turns a deaf ear to wet onlookers, who encourage him to jump in. The nervous ninny fears the facts and perceives them as an undesirable truth. His fear of the known will deprive him of ever experiencing joy of the unknown. Fear of self-depravation is the issue.

How many of you are nervous ninnies standing at the water's edge merely dipping your big toe into spiritual truths, tempting the water yet avoiding the real issue? Are you making like a swimmer but never getting wet, turning a deaf ear to those trying to encourage your leap? Do you take what little spiritual knowledge you have and use it to comfort yourself? Are you standing there teetering on the brink of decision, wanting more but fearful of what you think you know? To jump? Or not to jump? Jump? Not to jump? Are you going to continue standing there in submission to self-centered fear and in the end lose the greater joy? Or will you take that leap into the great unknown, where faith is always the issue.

Biblical references:

Joshua 24:15
"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD ."
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Elijah 18:21
"Elijah went before the people and said, 'How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him'."
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