Keep Swimming

The world is becoming more challenging every day and in the words of Oliver Hardy as he numerously reprimanded Stan Laurel, “Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into.” I suppose as long as there is hatred, jealousy and greed, wars and rumors of wars will always be on the earth for how ever long man exists. Recent world events have shown that mankind is traveling down a road to major world conflict once again and I can’t see North America escaping the ravages of global war this time. Why do I feel this way? Technology has removed the need for most of the face to face combat of past wars and it seems there is no conscience in the finger that pushes the button of electronic guidance. August of this year will be the 100th anniversary of what H.G. Wells said would be the “war that will end all war”, World War I. In these past 100 years all man has accomplished in his intellectual advancement of the “greater good” is the hardening of his own heart. Ones own life and possessions is far more important than the life of a fellow human being. It’s really sad when you think about it.

In the Dr, Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” there is a section that talks about experiencing the bumps and bruises that come in the journey of life. “You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights. You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed. You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead. Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best. Wherever you go, you will top all the rest. Except when you don’t; Because sometimes you won’t. I’m sorry to say so but, sadly, it’s true; That Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you. You can get all hung up in a prickie-ly perch; And your gang will fly on; You’ll be left in a lurch. You’ll come down from your lurch with an unpleasant bump; And the chances are then, that you’ll be in a slump. And when you’re in a slump, you’re not in for much fun; Un-slumping yourself is not easily done.”

Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl; The one was wise and a cheery soul; The other took a gloomy view; And bade his friend a sad adieu. Said the other frog, with a merry grin, “I can’t get out, but I won’t give in; I’ll swim around until my strength is spent; Then I will die, the more content.” And as he swam, though ever it seemed; His struggling began to churn the cream; Until on top of pure butter he stopped; and out of the bowl he quickly hopped. The moral of the story you ask? Oh, it’s easily found! If you can’t get out, keep swimming around.

[Galatians 6:1-10; Revelation 21:1-8] I know the world sometimes feels like we’ve fallen into a cesspool of sin, pulling us down into an abyss of a slump, complaining and crying because of the great bump, there where we’re tempted to just give up. But let me encourage you to keep swimming around. No matter what happens in this world, if we hold true to our faith we’ll hop out of here into the arms of God who has promised to, “…wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain; …To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this…” We all need to “de-slump” ourselves. Look to God’s Word (Acts 20:30-32); look to Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2); look to God’s love (2 Corinthians 5:1-5); and look to God’s grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-11). Life is not fair, but the justice of our God will be righteous, deserving and eternal.