Recently, I noticed something about my hair dryer. When I looked at the honeycombed air in-take end, it looked like a lace doilie was wrapped all around it. On closer inspection, I realized the dryer was full of dust. Oh, gross. So I took a straight pin and bit by bit, picked out each fuzzy section. With the accumulated debris gone, I turned on the hair dryer. Much more powerful.

Funny thing, though, I hadn’t noticed the dryer’s decreased effectiveness as the dust built up. It wasn’t an all-of-a-sudden thing. It was gradual. Subtle.

So, I’m thinking…is that how it is in my relationship with God? As the debris of disobedience starts to accumulate, little by little, is it so subtle I don’t even realize I’m getting clogged up? As we let the stuff of life fill up our in-take portal, do we lose our effectiveness as a witness for God? Do we allow the gunk of this world to sidetrack us?

It’s sorta’ like the story of the frog who was placed in a tepid pot of water on top of the stove. Sensing no danger, the frog did not try to escape. Little by little, the temperature of the water increased. The change was so subtle. The frog never realized he was in a life-threatening situation, until it was too late.

I’m determined to check my hair dryer frequently, and remove the dust before it has a chance to clog up the works. I’m even more determined to be vigilant about watching for things that might be drawing me away from my relationship with God. Those things need to be removed before I become too comfortable, too familiar with them, and start ignoring their negative effect on my life.

Are you in a pot of water unaware the heat has been turned up? Is it time to be more vigilant against those subtle influences?

Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. Proverbs 4:23 GNT

I wish you well.

Sandy

PS

Please subscribe to receive posts every Tuesday and Thursday, by either going to the top of my home page, or scrolling below. Thanks!