Swimming Up Stream

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world, the rulers, authorities, and cosmic powers of this dark age.

The scenes from any of the TV channels like the Travel Channel or National Geographic are impressive as we watch salmon swimming up stream to spawn, but they can never compare to actually watching three-foot red salmon splashing in the water, over the rapids, in their journey to reach the quiet waters of their nesting place.

While in Alaska and driving to Homer, it all began as we were in the car chasing the flight of the bald eagle. When we saw the eagle swoop down off to the side of the road, we found the first turn off and traveled down this gravel road until we arrived at the Russian River. There we forgot about the eagle and became fascinated with the struggle of these fish that is a part of their life cycle. Knowing their fate made me wonder why they would ever take the risk. Their bodies are bruised and bleeding as they crash against the rocks, yet they keep going up stream.

The dangers that lie in the journey include eagles, bears, raccoons, fishermen, and the impact of all the elements. Then it hits me. God made these creatures to have this built in instinct to travel from the great spacious ocean to the fresh water stream to lay their eggs and then die. Not a life I want, but then I realize that as Christ Followers we are all in this life today to swim up stream.

Over the years there have been so many changes in our values that it appears we may be satisfied to just allow dangers around us to finish us off before we have a chance to finish our goals. Like Paul talked about over 1975 years ago, our plight is not against nations, but against what we Americans may have diluted.

The legal system is stopping us from praying in public, mentioning the word, “God” or “Christ” in certain settings because it may offend someone. And even now there is a move to take the reading of our very Constitution out of schools because God is mentioned by name. The nativity is not allowed to be displayed on government property and these same scenes are being destroyed in front of churches. So what can we do?

As Christians I believe we should begin by praying more for the rights and issues that are quietly being taken from us. We need the Lord’s insight and direction. My grandfather told me in the 1950’s that Christianity is one generation away from being extinct. Our attitude should be that of Christ to tell his message of love, grace, and hope and not just be quietly passive. It was not until the ACLU tried to take the Ten Commandments out of our county courthouse in rural Tennessee that the people started placing copies of the Ten Commandments in their yard. Finally all the legal fights resulted in various religious plaques being posted together in the courthouse as to not offend anyone. The message is now diluted.

As we engage in our daily lives, we must “Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12

We are going to be bruised and battered with what we encounter, but the reward of a relationship with Christ is worth the endeavor. Just make sure you are swimming up stream and not rafting downstream.