Swapping Alligators For Sharks

It was a hot summer day. Jason, a visitor from the city, wanted to take a cool swim in the river. "Are there any alligators in this river?" he asked a local man who was fishing from the river bank. "No, not a single one," assured the fisherman. Jason was still disturbed. There seemed to be some gray forms beneath the water's surface, moving in circles. So he asked the fisherman, "If there are no alligators here, what are those gray forms I see? Are you sure there are no alligators?" "Certainly," replied the fisherman, "There are no alligators down there. Those gray forms you see are sharks that have chased the alligators away."


The fisherman was right. Alligators were not a threat to Jason. But the fisherman didn't warn Jason about the sharks. If Jason had gone swimming, he would have faced a danger that was just as bad, if not worse. Because the sharks were waiting for another meal. We also face danger as we seek better and happier lives. For example, television programs and advertisements depict the "good life" in ways that are carefully designed to gain our attention, our time, and our money. But after watching just a few minutes of news, the long term results of blindly following the world's approach to life can sadden and even depress you. Many of us rely on advice about life from those who know only part of our needs as people. Or we seek relief from pressures and problems by turning to material possessions and ways to have fun. Either route is like swapping alligators for sharks. The real, underlying issues in our lives are neglected, and therefore grow worse, while we end up with disappointment, more possessions and less money. It's really a matter of where to place your trust. Turn to the one dependable Source that has your best interests at heart. That one Source is God Himself, the Creator of all that exists Who loved you enough to sacrifice His son just for you. God also loved you enough to provide His word, the Bible, to guide you and help you through the good times, and through the bad times. So test your actions, your opinions and your decisions by God's Word. Reliable advice about the alligators, the sharks and the water awaits anyone who looks to heaven.






LORD Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.


- Psalm 84:12 (New International Version)


Dear Lord we thank you for caring for us and for giving us your word, the Bible. We pray that we would continually read it and learn from it. In Jesus’ name, amen.