03/02/26 KAYAKING AS A MICROCOSM

03/02/26 KAYAKING AS A MICROCOSM

As usual, this post addresses the subject of Christian living; (not the Divinely instituted Government responsibility of "protecting the righteous and punishing the wicked"). Don't confuse these two different principles.

When I see my Cover Photo or my Profile Photo, I relish the moments I have spent on my kayak (fishing, drifting, paddling, meditating, sharing with other kayakers, taking in the beauty of God's creation). Even on those occasions that I was struggling my way through a low tide marsh, or rushing to safety during a thunder squall, or fighting my way out of the grip of a dangerous Pluff Mud, I sought and sensed God's presence.

I kayak because it is fun. I kayak because it is restorative. I kayak because it is reflective. I kayak because it is good exercise. I kayak because it gives me time to share with other folks (friends, strangers, family).

Come to think of it, "kayaking" is somewhat of a microcosm of life. It is not always fun or easy. Actually, preparing to kayak and "squaring away" after kayaking can be unfun, but it is necessary if I am going to kayak. Also, the difficult times often have benefits. Challenges are beneficial, even when they are difficult. I learn about myself and about God's plan during the hard times.

There is an old saying, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." We don't ignore the darkness, nor do we embrace the dangers in the darkness, but neither do we focus on the darkness. We look for the light; we trust the proven Guidance out of the darkness. We do not let the darkness define us or distort us. We do not honor the darkness.

As believers, we know that God's light in us is greater than the darkness around us. We also know that the darkness oozes out of the enemy of our soul, Satan. We know that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places.

We don't love the enemy of our soul but we do love our enemies. (Remember, Christian love does not exempt a criminal from legal punishment or tyrants from justice). We reach out to others, even when we are despised, and lift others up, even when it is costly.

Jesus is not only our Savior and Lord He is our example, our pattern. We are to walk in His steps. This includes our attitude as well as our actions. Our possession of grace should align with our profession of faith. The root produces the fruit.

As we sang yesterday...
"My desire, to be like Jesus,
My desire, to be like Him!
His Spirit fill me,
His love o'rewhelm me:
In deed and word,
To be like Him."

"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
All His wonderful passion and purity!
O Thou Spirit Divine,
All my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus is seen in me.

We also sing...
O to be like Thee! O To be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness,
Come in Thy fullness,
Stamp Thine own image,
Deep on my heart.

This is what I preach, this is what God requires, this is how Christians live.