How Gullible Are We?

A freshman at Eagle Rock Junior High won first prize at the greater Idaho Falls Science Fair, April 26, 1997. He was attempting to show how conditioned we have become to alarmist practicing junk science and spreading fear of everything in our environment. In his project he urged people to sign a petition demanding strict control or total elimination of the chemical “dihydrogen monoxide.” Of course he listed several good reasons for this action since it:  Can cause excessive sweating and vomiting.  It is a major component in acid rain.  It can cause severe burns in its gaseous state.  Accidental inhalation can kill you.  It decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.  It has been found in tumors of terminal cancer patients. He asked 50 people if they supported a ban of the chemical. Forty-three said yes, six were undecided, and only one knew that the chemical was H2O, or common water. The title of his prize winning project was, “How Gullible Are We?” He felt the conclusion is obvious. After reading this account, I wondered, How gullible are we? Fear is one of the most destructive emotions we face in our lives. And, yet, we seem to welcome it as if it were an old friend. There really is no reason to embrace this emotion in our spiritual journey. The disciples learned this truth vividly in their experience with Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee. On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4:35-41 ESV). It is true that, sometimes the Lord calms the storm, and sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child. That calm comes from understanding and accepting His constant care. “Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear.” (1 John 4:18 ESV). His promise to us is to never leave us alone to face the unknowns of our lives. Two explorers were on a jungle safari when suddenly a ferocious lion jumped in front of them. “Keep calm” the first explorer whispered. “Remember what we read in that book on wild animals? If you stand perfectly still and look the lion in the eye, he will turn and run.” “Sure,” replied and his companion. “You’ve read the book, and I’ve read the book. But has the lion read the book?” It can seem that the devil hasn’t “read the book,” but he has. And, he must abide by its truth. God’s promise is to be with us, to never leave us. With that truth, resist the devil and he will flee from you! Watch your fears dissipate as He calms the storms, or calms your heart. Rest and walk in Him today. The lion has read the Book!