Analogies can sometimes be helpful in highlighting the reality of a situation in a memorable way.
One that I personally find to be of help is the lifeboat analogy. We are afloat on a vast ocean of world disorder, religious confusion, chaos in certain areas of the planet, war and destruction in others. Satan’s goal is to destroy everything that pertains to God the Father and Jesus Christ His Son and Head of the Church. It is not the classic “good versus evil” fight depicted by so many in the world today, especially “religious” figures (I put “religion” in quotes because I do not wish any of us to confuse religion in the world with godliness and true spirituality.) If that were true, then we could only conclude that Satan is winning. No, that is not the case. God is in charge.
God is allowing this world to write some very difficult lessons, usually in the blood of innocent and not so innocent inhabitants of the planet. When Christ returns to establish God’s Kingdom, no one will be able to insist, “if we had only tried my solution… that would have solved the problems of mankind.” Everything that could be tried has been tried. Man has failed utterly to learn to govern himself. And the result is the chaotic and turbulent “ocean” upon which we try to stay afloat.
Interestingly enough, much of what Satan is doing seems anything but turbulent and chaotic. In fact, it seems attractive and desirable. But only attractive and desirable if we get our eyes off of the standards and the goals which God sets for us. 1 John 2:16 speaks of the “lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life…”. Most of the “mover and shaker” influences in the world would say that these are very good things. The Bible says that they are “not of the Father”. They are at times so expertly packaged that it is difficult to recognize them as wrong. That is another potentially damaging factor in the turbulent ocean in which find ourselves.
In the physical realm, if we were out on rough seas with swelling waves threatening our well-being, we would very much desire a lifeboat and would clamber aboard if at all possible. God has provided us with just such a metaphorical “lifeboat”. He found us on the sea, rescued us, as it were, and gives us the security of a position in that saving vessel. God’s Church is that lifeboat. If we cling to it, we will not go under. This oasis of safety protects us from meeting our demise in the briny depths of this chaotic world.
Have you ever, though, found yourself floating in the water just outside of the boat. Thinking all the while, “my, how safe I feel being so near to this lifeboat”. When seas are calm, that is a deceptive condition, which we might lull ourselves into accepting. But being near the boat is not enough. To be saved from drowning, we must be in the boat.
Sometimes being in the lifeboat can seem difficult, maybe crowded, less than comfortable. That is because the Church is populated with… well, people. And people, even the ones who have been given a place in the boat, can be difficult to get along with, can be moody, can be less than the epitome of the godly standards for which we all strive. Just remember what it was like on the open sea, as you were about to go under with waves swelling high and you were pulled out, up and over the side and you fell nearly unconscious to the floor of the lifeboat – exhausted but glad to be alive. Would you rather be back out in the water?
Let us all be thankful for the place that God has given us in His Church. Let’s not get overly concerned about the other passengers (who have also been pulled from the drink). Hang on to the hope. Be thankful for the rescue and stay in the lifeboat!
Cliff Veal
