Recently, the Maness family went to the beach. One day, the tides were such that they weren’t allowed in the water. As Graham said, “It was a double red flag day.” The double red flag meant that there was a high chance of rip currents, which are a terrible hazard for swimmers. Nobody was allowed in the water.
Rip currents are dangerous. They can be stronger than an Olympic swimmer but are usually only 2-3 feet per second. They pull you off your feet and pull you directly out to sea. Rip currents cause an average of 100 drownings each year in the United States. Compare that to an average of 1 death a year by shark attack. That is why you do not even wade ankle-deep in the water during a double red flag day.
The danger of rip currents reminds me of the temptations we face. We may think we can dabble in sin but can escape in time. Satan is sure to encourage us and convince us it isn’t that bad or dangerous. But sometimes we underestimate the power and draw of sin. We can, before we know or acknowledge it, be swept away.
Paul warns us of temptations even if we are spiritual. He writes in Galatians 6:1, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Paul is telling us that, even if we are strong enough to confront sin in our brethren, we must guard our own hearts against sin. We all have temptations. What tempts you may not tempt me. But whatever temptations we have, we must remember the double red flags. Let’s not even stick our toes in them!