Subtle Symptoms:
As if the various multiple health issues I’m suffering with aren’t enough, my medical diary, or should I say, dictionary, was increased somewhat this week.
It seems that I’m now suffering with a hyper para-thyroid and have a vitamin D deficiency!
They reckon, that unless you have a blood test, you’re not always aware you could be suffering with such conditions.
For many people, the myriad of symptoms are subtle.
And this got me thinking.
As I considered my situation, I began to wonder, if it were possible to monitor our own spiritual deficit.
What?!
Yep!
Our greatest deficit is often spiritual, not only financial.
As an example, are you going again and again to the dried up vine?
Lacking fun and playtime?
Burned out on religion?
Gasping for fresh air?
Needing sustenance?
Resuscitation?
Could the symptoms be subtle?
Are you well aware?
Perhaps you don’t realise what is really happening or aren’t paying enough attention to events around you.
In many ways this reminds me of the boiling frog story, especially the version by Daniel Quinn:
If you drop a frog in a pot of boiling water, it will of course frantically try to clamber out.
But if you place it gently in a pot of tepid water and turn the heat on low, it will float there quite placidly.
As the water gradually heats up, the frog will sink into a tranquil stupor, exactly like one of us in a hot bath, and before long, with a smile on its face, it will unresistingly allow itself to be boiled to death.
The story is often used as a metaphor for our inability to react to significant changes that occur gradually.
Whether we’re aware, or totally oblivious, this is certainly something to think about.
Things can work in a hidden and injurious way.
The question remains, are we in danger of becoming a slow boiled frog in our personal spiritual journey?
Well friends, this is what God’s Word has to say:
Keep a cool head.
STAY ALERT.
The Devil is poised to pounce, and would like nothing better than to catch you napping.
Keep your guard up.
You’re not the only ones plunged into these hard times.
It’s the same with Christians all over the world.
So keep a firm grip on the faith.
The suffering won’t last forever.
It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ – eternal and glorious plans they are! – will have you put together and on your feet for good.
He gets the last word – yes, He does.
Sure-enough, our best days are ahead!
Still, give careful consideration to this, it is inexcusable we know what we should be doing, but frequently put off the endeavour.
For maybe, just maybe, apart from recognising symptoms, we need to tackle the underlying cause.
Come-on!
Wake up and smell the coffee!
It’s a piece of cake!
Simples!
Just make sure you stay alert.
Don’t let your heart wander off.
Stay vigilant.
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
1 Peter 5:8-11
Like a lighthouse to the nations – the Internet has become an excellent tool for us to use in sharing the message of Christ.
By using a simple newsletter form – you can sign-up to receive our weekly inspirational thought – E-word.
God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play. So, if you’ve been inspired by this E-word Communicator – please click the recommend button on this page.
Thank you for being a part of our ministry. We appreciate your support, just knowing you are praying for us is a great encouragement.