A while back I watched a television program that discussed the history of ship [boat] building. The narrator described how the early builders had to heat and mold the boards to form the hull, apply pitch and tar to the inside, and apply resin to the outside to keep the boards from being permeated by the water. The narrator went on to discuss how the process had changed due to today’s technology in the use of fiberglass, aluminum and steel. But there was one common thread to all ships [boats] – both then and now – that being, the ships were made to float on the water; they must be maintained else they will leak; water belongs on the outside of the ship [boat], not on the inside; lack of care can easily manifest itself in a shipwreck.
While reflecting on the shipbuilders, I was reminded that there are many Christians today who are living shipwrecked lives. When one receives Christ as their personal Savior, the Lord’s Word states that He has begun a good work in the believer’s life.
Philippians 1:6,
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 2:13,
“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
And the Lord’s work continues in the life of the believer – providing it is not hindered due to the believer’s lack of care and maintenance.
The Scriptures state that we are to live in this world; however, the child of God is not to allow the world to enter into his/her life. We are called to live “separated lives”.
2 Corinthians 6:17 states,
“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”
Romans 12:2 states,
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
John 17:15-17 records Jesus’ prayer,
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”
Colossians 3:1-2 states,
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
To live a “separated life” necessarily requires the child of God to maintain his/her life in Christ. Care must be given to prayer, study of God’s Word and following the Lord’s commandments. Lack of care can easily cause our lives to take on “the water of the world (that is, to be overcome with worldly things).” The end result can be a “shipwrecked life”.
1 Timothy 1:19 states,
“Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.”
Let us be reminded here, as with a shipwreck, one may lose all their possessions – yet be saved alive.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 clearly attests to the end of a “shipwrecked life”. For it states,
“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Let us take to heart the need for proper maintenance of our whole life {mind, body, spirit}, whereas, we may “stay afloat” and be the “vessel” the Lord would have us to be – and not succumb to a “shipwrecked life”.
2 Timothy 2:21-22 states,
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
The question now remains, “Is your life taking on “water” and headed for a “shipwreck”?” If so, turn back to Jesus and you will not have to ask, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?” [Cf. Mark 4:36-38].
