Hidden Reefs

Stay Alert!

The book of Jude gives us a graphic warning regarding our spiritual walk as Christians.   In reference to those who mingle among us that can do us much harm he writes "But these men are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear..." (Jude 12).

Keeping a look out for other boats and floating debris

Living aboard several different sailboats while cruising the coast of Alaska and Canada as missionaries we learned many valuable lessons, many of which are highlighted in the Bible.  For the most part the art of sailing depends on very basic and practical skills; how deep is the water, how fast are we moving, and where is land.  Charts show us the depth of the water and a picture of the coastline around us but if we don't know where we are on the chart we are lost.  Learning to read and understand these charts is much like read the scripture.  We have to learn where we are in relationship to our surroundings, failure to do so can put us in grave danger.  One must be aware of tide changes which can cause a change in the previously plotted coarse.  Wind and current cause us to drift to the left or right and we have to check our course now and again to stay on track.

"For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it." (Hebrews 2:1)

 In our day of high technology however many get themselves in trouble by depending too much on electronic gadgets and throw caution to the wind.  When technology fails in stormy weather or compromised visibility we can find ourselves on the rocks if we have lost our basic skills of navigation.  Waiting until a storm hits is not a good time to be learning how to navigate.  When the storm comes things get very hectic and confusing.  Learn basic biblical principles before the spam hits the fan.

Over extending ourselves can cause us to make mistakes as well.  Some close friends of ours on a trip to Alaska once pushed themselves too far without sleep, and while their beautiful yacht was on autopilot they fell asleep, ran aground and tore the bottom out of the boat nearly costing their lives.