Are there real consequences to sin?
Proverbs 6:28--I hope you'll bear with me as we walk through this proverb (pun intended).
Firewalking is an ancient ritual done by everyone from shamans to cultist "Christians" to executives on retreats.
The original thinking was to demonstrate a spirituality authority or a right-of-passage within a tribe. As a community they watch the walker overcome their fears and accomplish the impossible--walk on fire without getting burned.
From this verse, it appears even back in Solomon's days, people were attempting to gain some type of spiritual power from sources other than the Creator of the Universe.
In contemporary times, for something like $500 a pop, executives can follow self-help gurus down a sparky path of empowerment and team-building.
From the research I've done--which is admittedly limited--the firewalking is staged with safety measures to insure there are no law suits.
Very often, the coals or wood embers used in fire walking have a low heat capacity. Sweat produced on the bottom of people's feet also helps form a protective water vapor. All of this together makes it possible, if moving quickly enough--but not too quickly--to walk across hot coals without getting burned.
So, is it a scam? What do you think?
Let's go back to the context of this verse. The whole point of this warning is to emphasize the foolishness of getting involved with a married woman or prostitute. Why in the world would anyone do something so foolish?
So, here's where I am landing. The very fact that there are practices in place that justify the foolishness of walking upon hot coals--that people actually pay for the opportunity--is further proof that the world will always attempt to undermine the wisdom of GOD.
"You don't need to worry about the effects of sin--just walk fast!" It's heartbreaking. If there were real fire, real white coals, then those "firewalkers" would have scorched tootsies that would require medical attention and a very good lawyer.
The reality, there are real consequences from sin. Real and painful. Whatever science or "spiritual" insights that say otherwise are scams of the worst kind.
When we know the truth, when we know the dangerous repercussions shouldn't we warn others? I'm not talking about politics or editorializing, I'm talking about Biblical principles that set us free. That speak of the goodness and mercy and salvation of a holy GOD who hates sins, but loves us.
If there is someone in your life that you have been praying for, that you have a deep relationship with and GOD opens the door to share this warning, then please, my friends, do it. Don't let them walk on those hot coals--guide them to the Living Waters.
May we guide them to Living Waters, my friends.
Proverbs 6:28--Or can a man walk upon hot coals without scorching his feet? Tree of Life Version - TLV Tree of Life Bible Society #tlvbible #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]
Comments
Post a Comment