© 2014 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

I’ve been told by various credible people that, if you place a frog in hot water, it will immediately jump out. However, if you start with cool water and gradually heat it, the frog will remain complacent and be boiled alive. Please don’t try this cruel experiment!

The frog’s tolerance of slow but steady temperature increases illustrates how some, who call themselves Christians, tolerate the gradually increasing levels of wickedness and immodesty in our society. As we live in this world, it’s easy for us to ignore the relentless progression of increasing immorality. Things once considered heinous, just decades ago, are now described as “alternate life styles.” Many professing Christians are accepting increased levels of immodesty and even blatant exhibitionism. This is often justified by calling it “art” or “fashion.” Even while watching ads on TV, I often have to close my eyes or turn my head. On such occasions I ask my wife, “is it safe to look yet?”

One afternoon, years ago, I was on a business trip with a colleague. He and I had decided to take a late afternoon dip in the hotel swimming pool. As we sat by the pool, a young lady in a bathing suit walked by. I observed my co-worker’s eyes bulge as he went immediately into visual tracking mode. I reminded him, and myself, that Jesus said, “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). I could hardly believe my ears as my colleague laughed and replied, “I wasn’t lusting. I was just looking!” Denying the obvious doesn’t remove it!

The Lord Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, died for me! Bearing the punishment for my sins, He stirred my heart to repent and ask forgiveness. Though I’ve lost count of how often I’ve failed him, my desire to please Him continually increases. A redeemed heart has a love for Christ and a desire to please Him, but Scripture teaches that those who don’t love Him are under the heavy curse of God (1 Corinthians 16:22).

Do you love Christ or are you, as the frog, complacently coasting toward eternal death?

 

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