I read a story about a flock of wild geese flying south for the winter when one goose looked down and noticed a group of domestic geese by a little pond on a farm. He noticed they had plenty of grain to eat. Life seemed nice. So he flew down and hung around with the geese and enjoyed the food that was there. Come spring he heard the geese flying overhead so he decided to join them. He didn’t realize he’d grown a little plump over the winter. Flying was difficult, so he decided to join the geese in the fall and fly south with the flock on the next migration. When they flew south, the goose flapped his wings a bit, then went back to eating the grain. So much for adventure!
The goose lost interest. Sure, that a fanciful tale. Who know what really goes through the mind of a goose? 🙂
But it is also a true-to-life story. There was a slow and gradual chipping away at what once was. A gradual erosion if you will.
It has been my experience that is the way of many.
- No one wakes up one morning and decides to become an alcoholic.
- No one take that first hit or joint or snort and says, “I’m going to do this so I can become a junkie and lose everything.”
- No one places that first bet and says, “I want to become addicted to gambling.”
- No one takes that first look at porn and decides they want to become a porn addict.
You get the picture. The slide into addiction, to the gutter, to ruining one’s life was never planned, expected, or wanted. The subtle tumble into that world was just that…subtle. It happened over time.
When something tempts us, our best approach is to say no. The road to ruin is a gradual erosion and we often don’t realize the depth to which we have sunk until it’s either too late or digging out is a monstrous and painful task.
Don’t start is the best policy. Beware of the gradual pull and slide as your values, morals, and foundation erode.
Wise advice, Bill, and well taken.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha.
If you do not nurture your relationship with God, soon little things that pull you further away will turn into bigger things. Next thing you know you have lost your desire to be in a relationship with God. When you have no relationship with God, darker worldly things have an easier time to get a grip on you. Keep your relationship strong with God, trust Him, love Him, and walk with Him, and you will be able to resist the temptations of the culture, that will just lead to an empty hurtful life.
Couldn’t have said it better myself Gail. 🙂
So true! I’ve recently found myself in this boat. I really do long to get back to what’s important to Him!
We all do Ed. But so glad you realize it. I pray you do get back.
This was such a true and sobering post. I appreciate you being true to our souls and speaking the truth, Pastor Bill. May God richly bless you!
Thanks Cheryl. Speaking truth always requires looking into a mirror.