image from public domain
Some time ago I sat in a harbor-side café, watching the seals cavorting on the docks, the boats bobbing with the gentle waves. Identifying the various styles and types, enjoying their beauty and the functionality. It came to mind that I know boats. But perhaps true knowledge requires something deeper.
I tell you
I know boats
from my patio seat at the harbor café
I watch them
the graceful lines of the sailboats
gently bobbing at their lines
that cool blue hue of their sail covers
the masts stretching heavenward
as if to take me there
the stolid fishing boats
with cranes abounding
often needing their paint refreshed
an aroma that reaches me here
at my table
with a craft beer
with a plate of calamari
that those boats provided
the sleek powerboats
suited for long cruises
cabin space for four
galley to feed the soul
power to feed the thymus
I tell you
I know boats
I need not go out to sea on them
Can I truly know boats, merely by observation and reading stories about them? When I need plumbing work done, I want someone with a truck with some dings in it, some supplies tossed in the bed, someone with some calluses on his hands, not just a neighbor who watched a Youtube video. And yes, this transcends the work world and touches the spiritual one, what does it mean to know Jesus? Let’s see what he says:
“Not everyone who says to me, ’Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ’Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ’I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:23-27).
I can’t add anything to that.
Kick Starting the Application
Realize that our obedience doesn’t save us, but it reveals the reality of our commitment to Jesus. But based on what Jesus said, if it were illegal to be a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?
Should you make any changes?