Swimming Swimmingly

In 1959 C.S. Lewis wrote in a letter of advice to an acquaintance admonishing him to “Try to remember that the ‘bottomless sea’ can’t hurt us as long as we keep on swimming”. I think that analogy helps me when examining my own propensity to judge and condemn my actions and thoughts. The old adage is that if I think it to be sin, then it is. The danger of that reasoning is that if I think it not to be sin then it is not. At least from my perspective. Every view has a foundation upon which it stands. For many people the foundation is one of their own design formed upon the shifting sands of popular opinion and relativism. For some there is a more sure bedrock upon which they stand. For the Christian, of which I am one, the springboard for all judgment is the Bible. Although I may not have the complete and right understanding in all areas, I strive to live up to the proper understanding which I do have.

 Still the reality is that there are horrible dangers in the water below. Sharks and whale and other creatures just looking for a meal are just the beginning. Then there is the lack of breathable atmosphere, at least for humans. The cold, the intense pressure, the looming darkness, all have perils which must be acknowledged. Still, if I can let slip for just a moment, there are wonders to behold just a few meters down.

People who describe the vibrant beauty discovered during short snorkeling trips have an appreciation others can only dream of. With the proper training, a little common sense and careful adherence to the primary principles of safety and life, they are able to expand their horizons and widen their view of God’s creation.

Spiritually, we are often found in the same situation. If we do not examine another viewpoint we will only see the entirety of God’s presence through a single narrow lens. The vast splendor of God’s display is unknown to those who will not venture beyond their “head above water” routine through life. While not advocating participating in those things which are known to be displeasing to God, I am reminded of the come on line from drug pushers, “How do you know you don’t like it if you’ve never tried it?” This may bring a mental gasp to the most puritan minded but most people have had to answer a question like this at some point in their explorations. And because there have been so many who have succumbed to the temptations, we have ample evidence from their experiences to determine we do not want to try it to see if we like it. If I can see how it messed up your life, I can probably safely avoid the same tragedy in my own with a little common sense.

If you don’t know how deep the water is then the danger is in diving in. Breaking your neck diving into a shallow lake can be as devastating as having your momentum and weight carry you deeper into the abyss than your oxygen filled lungs can endure.

Yet diving shallow avoids both calamities while still allowing you to see under the surface of the water. There are beauties to behold by swimming in that which is allowed. And not everyone has the same limits. That is probably the most difficult barrier to assess. One soul may be able to observe nature’s cavorting in its most intimate expressions without any thought beyond God’s creative grace. Another might by the same expression be drawn to lust and desires and all manner of evil behavior. The writer of Ecclesiastes called this an “evil under the sun”. To know the Holy God of creation and to know His desire for your pleasure and experience in life is the greatest of gifts.

So in this Lewis was correct, you cannot be harmed by the depths if you continually swim above. Yet it is equally true that you cannot explore the beauties of the deep if you only skim the surface in life. Please do not mistake this for a free call to abandon propriety and righteousness. There are more eager fools falling into hell each day who make that error. Think of this. What if Adam and Eve had said “No, I’ve got other beauty to behold”?

Could they not have been drawn deep into the marvels of God’s creation without transgressing His word? Could they not have instead used His word as guide and measuring stick to enjoy treasures beyond our mortal imaginations? Would God even have uttered “Thou shalt not…” if they had only agreed with His decree that there was plenty else for them to enjoy without being disobedient?

What then? How do we swim deep and still remain beyond the reaches of the deadly dangers beneath? Primarily by heeding His word. Before I became a believer I was exposed to much I am now warned against. I cannot undo all of the impact of temptations in my life. I know there is a limit to what He will allow me to experience even now. His chastisement is for my benefit and His guidance for my profit.

I need not look beyond what He has declared as very good in order to live the fullest life I can imagine. Much of what could give momentary pleasure carries with it a spiritual death sentence. To be severed from the great joys and pleasures He has planned for this life would be a price I cannot desire. So while I may occasionally drift to enjoy His beauty below,

I must never assume I know best or covet to supplant His word with my selfish human wisdom. He is God and I am not. I swim in His Ocean. I am safe by obedience to His decree. And by His grace I will know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings as I am made conformable to His death. If I live like Him, I may die like Him but I will most assuredly rise like Him.