Teachable Moment - Parable of the Swimming Pool

Well! I decided to add something new to my blog. So far, I have always been talking about what God has done in my life, what the Lord has impressed upon me on certain issues. These are the many things that happen in my life but there are even more things that are happening around me in other people's life. And through my own witnessing, I think that it is good to share their stories, firstly to give glory to God, secondly as a teachable moment to others and thirdly as a way to affirm them. And yes, all these stories are used with permission from the owners.

So this is the first story that I will share with. The owner is Amelia Yeap. And she used the swimming pool analogy to describe the different relationships of individual with God. I titled her analogy as The Parable of the Swimming Pool.

Take the swimming pool as Christianity in general.

People who are fully clothed and are standing at the edge of the pool, looking on disinterested:These are the people who are anti-God. Atheists. They want don't know, and don't really care what's up with Christianity. They are happy being what they are. People with no God.

People who are fully clothed and are standing at the edge of the pool, looking on curiously:These are the people who have no religion, but are looking for a purpose, looking for a God. They're waiting for people to tell them to get changed into their swimsuits and get into the pool.

People who are getting dressed in the bathrooms, yet unwilling to move out to the pool deck:People who have heard of Christianity, but they dont want to make the move to accept Christ. For whatever reason, perhaps they want to know more before taking the leap of faith into the pool.

People who are lying by the poolside enjoying the warm sun, contented just to watch the other swimmers:Church-goers. Pew-warmers. People who are happy going to church from 9-11am but refrain from serving in any ministries to avoid unwanted burdens or sacrifices.

People who are sitting on the edge of the pool, testing the water with their feet:Christians who are luke-warm. (Do most of us fall into this category?) They serve cos church leaders encourage them to, and they feel obligated. Perhaps their relationship with God is sorta on off. hot cold. love hate.

People who are struggling to swim:Christians who are facing difficulties in their walk with God. Perhaps they feel that God isn't there, or perhaps they are disillusioned by christians who dont behave like they are christians.

People who are swimming underwater.Christians who are way too into Christianity. Extremists maybe? Cults? Or maybe it could be describing people who are feeling burnt out by ministry. They need to come up to the surface to breathe.

People who are happily swimming in the water:Christians who are reaping the joy of serving and worshipping God. They are contented with their lives, constantly giving thanks for all that God has done.

So what type of Christians do we belong to?