Walking along the public beach in the morning is absolutely beautiful! But among this evident beauty can be hidden danger. About every 100 yards there is a lifeguard stand. The stand is a symbol and a platform for rescuing, but the structure itself can save no one. It gives the lifeguard the vantage point to oversee those around them who may be in trouble. This lifeguard in the stand has training to respond and rescue those showing signs of drowning. They are perched, ready to answer in a moment’s notice. Lifeguards must be on duty!

An empty stand cannot help anyone! It needs a lifeguard. A distracted lifeguard should honestly change their name to bystander or beachgoer because they are also of no use to those drowning. Lifeguards don’t suit up to sun on the beach and hang out with other lifeguards. They just don’t have the red suit, whistle, and rescue buoy for photo ops! The didn’t climb the stand to take a nap; they climbed it to see and then save the drowning! They are there to snatch those drowning from the riptides and undercurrents bent on taking life.

All Christians should be on duty on the platform God has placed them to be ready to rescue those drowning spiritually around them. What’s your platform? Your platform may be nursing. It may be college, politics, or a stay-at-home-mom. Are you asleep on your platform? Have you forgotten why God has placed you there in the first place? God equipped you and placed you there to see others around you who need the Lord’s eternal life as all are drowning without His life-saving grace. Look around. Remember your true purpose on your platform. You’re not there to just blend in. You’re there to save spiritual lives. Jude 1:23 says we are snatch people from the fire and bring them to salvation. James 5:20 reminds us, “He who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”

Categories: Uncategorized

stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.