Some people approach faith as if it were a pool of unknown temperature. They hover at the edge of the pool, uncertain about getting in as far as the first step. As the water laps against their ankles, they acclimate before moving down another step into the calf-deep water. Then knee-deep.

And that’s as far as some ever go. “I’m fine here. You go on and have fun.”

Hugging themselves (lot of good that does) they shiver because their feet are in the water but their body is exposed to the air.

“Let me just get used to it,” they say. Some never do.

Their friends, exhausted from the fun, the splashing, the diving, are packing their things to go Home by the time the timid ones feel confident to go waist-deep, shoulder-deep, get their hair wet.

Let’s grab the faith-timid by the hand and urge them deeper. “Come on in. The water’s fine!”

For writers: Pushing from behind rarely is appreciated. In some ways, it’s rude, bully-like. How can our words more effectively “pull” with “strong cords of love,” as God says He does in His Word?

For readers: Have you been encouraged to dive deeper into your relationship with the Lord but have hesitated at the edge of the pool? Dive right in! Even if the water temp surprises you, you’ll find it infinitely soul-refreshing!