Warning so that

2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.”

Numerous sources agree there are approximately 800,000 words in scripture ultimately encouraging us to be more like Jesus.   I can humbly confess to times when I wasn’t interested in being taught, being admonished, being corrected, and especially not trained to be righteous.  My attitude ruled with  selfishness and pride, uttering, “I am in charge of my own life, decisions and future; and that seems to be working just fine for me.”

On a recent trip to the beach, a crystal clear picture unfolded before my eyes of this tendency most of us have to “lean on our own understanding”.  At every public beach access, a flag system instructs beachgoers of the current ocean conditions.

This sunny afternoon, the double red flag was flying. Clearly displayed concise understanding:  WATER CLOSED TO PUBLIC.  Rule followers obediently embraced the warning of a double red flag… those “others” trusted their own decision-making, determining their own rule of safety.  Several self-sufficient souls ignored the warning flags and ventured into the water.  Waves crashed around one young man who, at first watch, embraced the unpredictable crests.  Moments later the massive whitecaps erupted around him. 

Emergency responders were already in route to summon the swimmer to shore – the scene changed quickly:

from

“call him out of the water with a sharp reprimand.”

to

“save him from the water with a lifechanging rescue.”

This young man’s regard for the flag system skyrocketed to a healthy reverence… as did the gathered crowd witnessing the incredible rescue.

Watching this dramatic rescue was powerful to the bystanders, but the young man who lived the rescue will share the story with a breathless enthusiasm.  His experience, his story, his appreciation for his salvation can and will be useful.

I wonder if he might briefly share this way:

I fully understand that the authority of the flag system is in place to teach me, to correct me, to train me in the right way for good, so that I stay safe and now, I can tell my story.  My experience is now useful for myself and others.

Maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t aware of the flag system. 

Maybe, just maybe, he hadn’t known of the system’s value.

Maybe, just maybe, he didn’t seek the wisdom of the authority.

Our Bibles are available to us 24/7 literally at our fingertips.  As Christ followers, we have chosen to place ourselves under His authority.  We speak clearly in the waters of baptism, I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, my Lord and Savior. 

Those words of declaration, “Lord of my life” demonstrate surrender, giving up my control, my attitude, my decisions to the authority of God through the sacrifice of Jesus and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Pick it up, tune it in, get the app – Open your Bible and find His promises, His ways, His heart for your life, so that you can share the good news of Jesus through your story.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.  Romans 15:13