God is a lover of beauty. He creates various beings to display different aspects of His love and different types of beauty. He made the fish for the water, the birds for the air, human beings for the earth, and angels for heaven. Each part of creation is guided by a specific set of rules, all of which tie back to the great Law of Love.
A fish is beautiful in its habitat in the ocean; a bird is beautiful to behold while flying through the sky. An eagle cannot survive long underwater because it wasn’t made for the sea, and a fish cannot survive long on dry land because it wasn't made for the shore.
Imagine that one day, a whale decides, "I have been living in this ocean for too long. The world is a big place; why does God restrict my freedom to the water? I believe I can have a more fulfilling life on land. I can reach my full potential by going wherever I please. This ocean is a restriction to my liberty."
After much deliberation, the whale leaves the ocean and begins making its way onto the sand. Imagine standing on the beach and seeing this whale swimming out of the surf. You would be deeply concerned. You would think, "Something is wrong with that whale."
If you could speak to the whale, you might say, "Are you okay? Why are you leaving the bounds of the ocean?" And the whale might respond, "I want to be free! I am tired of God’s restrictions and the laws that keep me in the water. I want to enjoy more of life on land." But as the whale speaks and moves further inland, you can see it struggling to breathe. Life is becoming agonizing, and it is in great danger of dying.
Out of concern, you would say, "Mr. Whale, you are dying. You are going the wrong way. God didn't make you for the land; He made you for the ocean. That is where you are most beautiful, where you reach your full potential, and where you find meaning. Land is not for you. By transgressing the laws of your design—the laws of life—you are suffering. Return to the ocean and live!"
Friends, we are that whale. God made us in His image and set bounds (laws) for how we should live. These laws are not meant to restrict our happiness, but to help us fulfill God’s design for us. Yet many of us think God’s laws are a hindrance. Like the whale, we leave the "ocean" of His love to explore grounds He has not approved. As a result, we find the life being sucked out of us, yet we often refuse to return. We hear the warnings of the preacher and reject them as "fanaticism," continuing to seek joy in forbidden places.
We suffer from depression, anxiety, brokenness, and emptiness as a result of leaving the bounds of God’s Law. The further the whale goes from the water, the closer it gets to death.
Now, imagine the whale finds someone to provide him with "wheels" to roll smoother on the land, or an oxygen tank to help him breathe. You might think, "What a good thing!" But I tell you, unless the whale uses those tools to return to the ocean, he will still die.
Many of us seek "wheels" to make our ride in sin smoother:
The "wheels" might be finding friends who support your sinful lifestyle.
The "wheels" might be using protection during immoral acts to avoid consequences like STDs or unplanned pregnancies.
The "wheels" might be listening to motivational speakers to boost your self-esteem while ignoring your soul’s decay.
The "wheels" might even be going to therapy or attending church services just to feel like a "good person," without actually repenting.
Unless you return to the "water"—unless you return to God—you will die.
God’s laws are for our good. It is within His bounds that we truly enjoy life. For example:
The Sabbath (Friday sunset to Saturday sunset) provides a mental and physical break—true healthcare for the soul.
Not committing adultery protects your marriage and your children.
Not coveting keeps you content and peaceful.
Not lying keeps your conscience clear and builds trust with others.
A fish struggling for air on the sand is a tragic sight. Similarly, many around us are "suffering for air" outside of God’s love. Satan will tell you that life is better on the "dry land" of sin, but breaking God's Law is simply a slow, agonizing self-destruction. There is no need to die such a death when Jesus is near, willing to carry you back into the vast ocean of His love.
Will you allow Him to carry you back today?
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