Crossing the Line

A father had two young kids in the pool. There was a rope that separated the shallow end from the deep end. The father warned, “Now kids, make sure you don’t swim past the rope. The water beyond it is deeper and you might drown.” The first child stayed as far from the rope as possible. The second child decided to swim right to the edge of the rope. When the father called out, she replied, “Don’t worry, Dad! I haven’t crossed the line yet!” Which child best represents your spiritual walk?

There are many Christians out there who flirt with danger. They read the Word, but look for loopholes to justify their actions. They pray every now and again—usually in times o trouble or when they feel like they’re in a jam. And they listen to the Holy Spirit when they feel like it. Yet in their Christian walk, they feel comfortable telling the Lord, “Don’t worry, Father, I haven’t crossed the line yet!” Unfortunately, it won’t be long before a simple slip puts them in dangerous territory.

Just as the child in the story knew that her dad would be there to save her if she drowned, as Christians, we know that we can always count on the grace of the Lord to deliver us in times of trouble. Even trouble that we’ve caused ourselves. But just as it says in Romans 6:1-2, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?”

God has called us away from the sin we used to swim in. So why even chance going near it again? If you want to play it safe in your Christian walk, be sure to read the Word and allow it to pierce your heart. Pray consistently. And listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit to guide you each day.

Don’t cross the line. Stay near the cross.