Several years back we were blessed to be able to have a new pool put in our backyard. This was a very exciting time, as our children were still young and we would be designing the pool based on our needs. In fact one of the first activities planned in the new pool would be swimming lessons for our youngest child.
We settled on a play pool model to begin our design. It would be 4 foot deep at the base of the steps, 6 foot deep at the drain located in the middle of the pool, and rise back to a depth of 5 feet at the opposite end from the steps. This seemed like a good plan but was it?
Even though this pool was designed with our children in mind, there was still more than enough water to be a danger for them. From an adult standpoint, however, it seems over time we quit swimming. The pool simply became a place to get in splash around a little then get out feeling refreshed. While there is nothing wrong with feeling refreshed, to continue to call this a swimming pool seemed foolish. The pool was unchallenging and an accomplished swimmer I found it less and less appealing. I quit spending time in it with my kids and over the years as they matured as swimmers, they too found other things to do and places to go. It even came to a point that I thought it was more of a burden than a blessing.
Having spent my life around both pools and the church I can’t help but see a correlation between the two. Over the past decade we seem to have worked to create a shallower church in an effort to make it safer for the unbeliever to enter. This did seem to be a worthwhile plan. After all, isn’t it our duty to reach those that are without Christ? However this process hasn’t eliminated the danger of potential spiritual drownings. Also, perhaps an unintended result is that mature Christians have become satisfied with just getting wet instead of swimming in the deepness of the Spirit. Now we are no longer prepared to teach those who have entered this church how to swim. Perhaps we don’t care enough to be bothered teaching them, or we no longer see the need for anyone to swim. Like the pool that no longer requires you to swim, what foolishness is a church that doesn’t connect you to the full depths of our God? This church too for many has begun to feel like a burden rather than a blessing.
I grew up in south Florida with access to the ocean as a child. I learned to jump off the boat into the water without regard for its depth. A few years back I was blessed to watch my children jump from a boat into the ocean trusting in the training and confidence we had instilled in them as parents. Today we need to reconsider our shallow water fishing techniques and once again prepare ourselves as Christians for deep water. We must be able to teach, train and lead others into the depths of His Spirit. Without launching into the deep we cannot truly gather the catch He has prepared.
Luke 5:3-5 (King James Version)
3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.
4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
6 And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink.
Personally I find myself as part of the church desiring a catch that will require the help of others to pull it into the boat. This will only be attainable if together we launch out into the DEEP!
Are you ready to SWIM again?
June 4th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Hmmm. You are rather brave to tackle both “third rails” of conversation. But you make good points. A few years ago I referred to a particular style of church as a “starter church.” I think they serve a purpose but too many get content without ever experiencing the deep end. Unfortunately I think it is indicative of church leadership who are unwilling – or perhaps unable – to take their flock to the deep end. You speak of “jumping off the boat” as a child. I think you were willing to do so because you had someone give you the confidence to do so – knowing that if you struggled they would be there. How many would want to go to deep end in their journey but are afraid to do so on their own, not trusting their leadership? Good thoughts, Phil.
June 4th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
You are correct Bill. Leadership has brought us here and some of us will have to lead people back into the deep end.