Wow! That's Cold

We hiked today across Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park.  There were 3 miles of incredible beauty on the way to Hidden Falls and Inspiration Point.  The falls are the combination of mountain springs and melting ice and glaciers from around Grand Teton (13 k ft.).

Ike's and my dogs were tired and hot by the time we arrived at the falls (this is our second hike in as many days) so we decided that we could not pass up a quick foot refresher.  Off came the sweaty shoes and the sticky socks and into the swollen creek we went.  For about thirty seconds it was incredibly cold and refreshing - then came pain.  We were waiting for this picture to be shot and we stood.  Ike was jumping for a rock and then back in.  I just stood in pain.  But then something interesting happened...the pain gave way to needles and then to nothing. 

My feet were numb.  Without the pain, I could stay in but truth prevailed because I knew that freezing my feet probably wasn't best long term.  There was also Ike to think about but he was already headed to the rocky edge making all kinds of "oooh that's cold" noises as he climbed from rock to rock.

This is what Christians face everyday.  Things tempt us that we really find shocking.  Our first try results in a cool and fun sensation (after all the flesh is being satisfied).  Usually the first encounters are followed by guilt and hurt but if we are exposed long enough we become numb.  Numb either because denial is necessary to avoid pain or numb because our spirits become separated from God.

As leaders, we need to remember the cycle of sin.  The enemy is smart.  He knows that to take down a leader is so much more profitable for his battle.  He also knows that a little at a time can numb us to great sin.  Leaders need to know how to stay out of the cold water and if they fall in accidentally they need to react immediately to the shock.  Unfortunately most leaders can't admit their sin for fear of retribution and at other times haven't been out of the creek in so long that they don't know warmth anymore.

We need to keep our eye on the ball - personal holiness and dedication to God is all that we have.  Remember the line of Job's wife, "How long will you keep your integrity?  Just curse God and die!"  Our integrity is founded upon holiness and total focus on God in all circumstance.  We are leaders (not humans and not followers - but Christians and leaders) and if God is so good then our lives must be an example.  We cannot afford to be numb to the warnings of God's Spirit.  The world is waiting for pure examples - believers need men and women to follow.

Ike and I got out of the creek and finished an excellent day with all of the 17 remaining family members.  I hope you had an excellent day as well.