The side stream looked promising from a distance. Its undercurrents allured with assurances of freedom, fun and fulfillment. The mighty river of God’s revealed will was naturally leading in a different direction, but I kept noticing the side stream. Others were taking the detour. Why not me? I won’t get too off-course. I’ll remember the way back. I won’t travel the side stream all that far. Just a peak. I know what I’m doing and I’m strong enough to get back when I’m ready.
The water is more shallow in this side stream. It’s murkier than I thought it would be. And stagnant. There were so many others who deviated from the river right along with me. So why do I feel so alone? The sun was shining so brightly before. Why do I feel like I’m surrounded by shadows? It’s harder to breathe in these cloudy waters. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.
Time to turn around. But it’s harder now. I can barely see where I’m going. There’s scarcely enough water to even maneuver. The more I struggle to set myself free, the more tangled I get. What started out as a promising side stream has quickly deteriorated into a trickle of filthy muck and mud. I can’t even turn around. Where am I? Where did everybody go? Help!
What was that? A shadow? A rustle? A…
…how did this happen? Why did I ever leave the fresh, deep waters of the river? How could I have been so foolish? Why didn’t I know that traveling this side stream would cost me everything. Why…
With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life. (Prov 7:21-23)