A story is told of a young man, approaching the great philosopher Socrates asking to be taught all that Socrates knew. Socrates invited the yearning student to join him on a walk to the lake. Upon arrival, they continued until the water was at least waist high. Socrates dunked the lad under the water, holding him down. Initially the young man went along with Socrates; however as his desire for a breath intensified so did the boy’s fight. Socrates continued holding the young man under water; the student was no longer fighting for a breath; rather his life.
Finally, the fight ended as the lad passed out from oxygen deprivation. The great philosopher drug him from the water, up on the shore and revived him. The yearning student inquired of Socrates, “What were doing? I almost drowned.” The great Socrates then replied when you want to know what I know as badly as you desired to live; you will then know what I know. Socrates tested the man’s heart.
Would you agree our walk with Christ is similar to the young man pursuing the knowledge of Socrates? Most of us desire knowledge without effort. Proverbs states, he who loves discipline loves knowledge. Is our desire to deepen our understanding of scripture, as great as our desire to live? Do we fight to strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ as much as we fight for our lives? Christ desires all of us, he wants us to love him more than anything in existence; this includes our physical life. Does this mean we must physical die at a young age to follow Christ? No!
The Bible states God will test our hearts!
We should be willing to push ourselves beyond previously known limits in seeking and serving Him. In so doing, God will supply all of our needs from sources we were previously unaware. We are called to leave our comfort zone in serving our Lord, Jesus Christ.
In high school cross country, we tapped one another’s sternum saying, “You ‘gotta’ want it more than life itself!” Moments in races, the body appeared on the verge of collapse; but the legs, arms, lungs, and heart kept going. Our hearts were tested. Let us fully exert ourselves in pursuit of Jesus Christ everyday. Let us crave a relationship with Christ as much as our desire for human life. He will keep our body moving forward in serving Him.
See Christ’s Presence, Believe Christ’s Forgiveness, Achieve Christ’s Will for your life! Pass the heart test.
In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
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