Swimming With a Snake
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.
Just as I got into the pool to take a swim, I could hardly believe my eyes: a snake swam past me. The skimmer sucked it in, and I felt safe. But then, it swam out!
I grew up swimming in backyard pools, and I’d never been in the pool with a snake.
When I got in the pool that day, I didn’t look around. I didn’t look under the pool float. I just hopped in.
Yet, I should have been more prepared. Our pool backs up to a wooded area with a mostly dry creek. We’ve seen raccoons, deer, snakes, rabbits, armadillos, all kinds of birds, and other wildlife in our yard.
But don’t we do the same thing in our spiritual lives?
The Bible tells us to be on guard for all kinds of things. Satan’s schemes. False teachers. Pride. Apathy. Greed. Worldly ambition. Sinful desires.
We live in and around these things all the time. We may think they don’t really affect us. Then, one day, we turn around to find them closer than we think.
Lord, help us to see where sin creeps into our lives. Help us see the dangers around and within us. Help us not to be afraid, but to call on You to deliver us.
Stacy Graves
