Frog in the Kettle

Several years ago a man named George Barna wrote a book titled, Frog in a Kettle. The content dealt with placing a frog in a kettle of warm water in a stove. The burner under the kettle of water was set on a low temperature. Slowly the water would become hotter and hotter. Eventually the water would come to a boil, and the frog would be cooked. It happened so slowly that the frog didn't realize what was occurring to him.

If you think about it, the point is obvious. We as humans can become lost or destroyed when we get into the wrong place. Slowly we become used to neglecting beneficial behaviors or habits. We find ourselves enjoying an adventure into something that is somewhat beyond what we should be doing. We begin to let some helpful habits slide. These small initial steps seem innocent at first, but they are small steps on a journey that can lead us into territories that we, at one time, knew were not right.

The temptations to take such journeys appeal to all of us. The possibility of allowing ourselves to take a few liberties from the path that is pleasing to our Master often carries some initial appeal. Paul made some interesting comments about the battles of life that challenge us from doing the right thing.  Romans 7:15 "I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do the good I want to do, and I do the evil I hate."

Life that is successful and pleasing to God requires self discipline. We need to constantly examine ourselves and/or get an accountability partner to help us see whether or not we are in a kettle of hot water. Determine from this day forward to avoid being a "Frog in the Kettle." Ask yourself many times each day, What would Jesus do in this situation?

Pastor Dick Crosby