A couple of months ago, while visiting my brother’s family, we attended church with them. The guest speaker that day relayed an analogy that grabbed on to me and hasn’t let me go. Sadly, I don’t remember the speaker’s name, but I’d like to share with you my paraphrased version of his analogy. Maybe it will speak to you as well.
A Titanic Story
The boat is sinking. You’re one of the few that was fortunate to find a spot on a lifeboat. The water around you is frigid. The night is black except for the ship’s lights which are slowly disappearing into the watery abyss. You’re frightened, horrified, and maybe still in shock. But – you’re safe. You will be okay.
You begin to hear the voices of those around you. Those, still in the water, calling out for help. They didn’t get on a lifeboat. Death is eminent for them. You know the truth – they will perish. You look around and see there’s obviously room for more in your lifeboat. But nobody wants to go back. No one wants to take the risk. So, instead, you float farther and farther away leaving everyone else behind.
The analogy is this: Those who have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior are safe in the lifeboat. They’ve been given life and salvation. Those in the water are those who haven’t found Christ. They are not safe and they’re waiting to be rescued – to be brought into the boat of salvation.
The Hard Question
We must ask ourselves the question: Do we live life like those in the lifeboat? Are we focused on ourselves – content going through life knowing that we’re safe? Believing, ultimately, in the idea that everyone is responsible for their own salvation – that those in the water are not our responsibility? Or do we do whatever we can to reach even just one of those who have no hope?
This vivid comparison has forced me to take a hard look at how I truly live my life. How much do I block out the voices of those in the water? Do I even notice them? All I really have to do is look. They’re all around me. My neighbor, my co-worker, my family members – the list goes on. Would I really not try to save them if they were drowning. Of course, I would. Then why wouldn’t I try to save them from a spiritual death. Isn’t the one way more important than the other?
What is My Response?
I don’t want to be someone who says, “Well, I’m safe so I’m okay!”. I don’t want to be someone who ignores the lost around me. I want to help them – to steer the lifeboat back in their direction. I want to offer them hope and a chance for them to know, that they too, are safe.
I have been “nudged” into rethinking how I proceed in my life. What are my priorities? What is my purpose? Maybe this nudges you too, and together we can turn all of our lifeboats back into the crowded waters, saving as many as we can.
After all, isn’t that what we’re really here for?
Desire…Seek…Apply
and Spread Truth!
For Truth will Set you Free!
well done!