A Good Question
When the Holy Spirit puts up a “No Swimming” sign, do we listen? (M. Puccini)
The Frog’s Sad Fate
After seeing this image I did some research and discovered a frog’s survival instinct doesn’t work around swimming pools. Most frogs are nocturnal. Nighttime insects are drawn to the pool’s lights and the frogs follow; it’s a wonderful feast. Unfortunately, for many frogs, it’s their last meal. I thought the stink of chlorine would stop these fresh water amphibians from taking a dip, but apparently the strong chlorine smell doesn’t deter them. They mistake the 
swimming pool for a pond. Human pools remain deathtraps for frogs because once they jump in, they can’t jump out again. Being air-breathers, they get tired and eventually drown. Pool owners find themselves fishing little corpses out of the water the next morning.
Frogs don’t exhibit much common sense; sometimes people don’t either.
People Make Bad Choices
Humans can be so clueless.
Yet as Christians, we should know better. We believe in God’s love for us, the Devil’s hatred and that sinful choices can have life-damaging consequences for the whole family. We’re also good at spotting the traps Satan baits for the people we love. How many parents have helplessly watched their rebellious teen drive off a metaphorical cliff?
Tailor-Made Bait
Unfortunately, when we’re being tempted, we turn into temper-tantrum throwing two-year-olds shouting “Gimme, gimme, gimme!” Our sinful nature and haywire emotions are two of Satan’s greatest allies.
And the Holy Spirit’s gentle “no” our greatest protection.
Jesus’ warning is clear:
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
(John 10:10 NIV)
My Spiritual Point
The Devil harms us with our help. When we obey him, we’re like frogs jumping into a swimming pool, unaware of the horrible consequences.
But when we follow in Christ’s footsteps, obeying His commands, the Lord blesses us.
It’s just common sense. One spiritual entity wants to destroy us and the other One died to save us.
Who are you going to listen to?
The frogs and swimming pool images came from Pixabay.com.
Resources:
One woman in Canada turned her backyard pool into a wildlife habitat.
