Destructive Wake

Anyone who has been around the water understands that a boat leaves a wake, (wave emitted from a power boat), and that it can be destructive. A big wake can badly damage other boats that are moored at docks and can capsize small boats in open water. I have seen this first hand, when way too many people had crowded into a small John Boat and a passing boats waves sunk it. They had no life jackets and would have probably drowned if we had not come alongside and pulled them out. I also have a friend whose 68 foot yacht was totaled by the seven foot wake of a passing Navy vessel whose captain was violating the no wake zone. The huge wave coming from the speeding vessel smashed the moored yacht into the concrete dock brutally smashing it. Experienced boaters realize this and will slow down in areas where their wake could create problems. Every boater despises someone who will not observe wake etiquette, when around other boats. Some deliberately and selfishly refuse to slow down; others do not think about it and plow through the water with the throttle forward creating a huge wake that follows. Both can and do cause destruction.



This reminds me of how people do things with their lives that hurt others. For example I lost a good friend this weekend to a tragic accident. I have talked extensively with others who knew him far better than I and it turns out that he was quite the risk-taker. In fact I was told by one of his closest friends that he told him that he really, got off, on taking risks and pushing himself to the limit. His friend had repeatedly tried to talk him out of taking these foolish risks to no avail. This person stated to me that he was actually angry at his best friend when he heard the news of his death, because it was so senseless. He died cave diving. This is considered one of the most dangerous sports in the world. He was so experienced at it, he was actually an instructor. I never knew this side of him. I do know that his 15 year old daughter is devastated and is taking it particularly hard. His wife and 19 year old daughter are in bad shape too, as are his friends, co-workers, and everyone who knew him. He was a Christian and I feel sure he is with the Lord as this is written. The wake he left behind for others however; is quite different. It is quite devastating. Maybe he died doing something he loved, but what about his responsibility to those people who loved him?



My brother was miserable. He had watched his five year old son whom he deeply loved die a slow agonizing death from a brain tumor. He went through a bitter divorce. He was forced to leave the job he loved and take early retirement. He remarried but had marital problems of a magnitude that would make people shudder. One day he put a gun to his temple and pulled the trigger. In his wake he left a devastated family. I led him to the Lord personally a year before and in spite of his sins am convinced he is with Jesus in paradise. His daughters are still down here as am I and my father and our entire family trying to cope with it. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I thought of him yesterday, even though it has been over two years since it happened. I just talked with one of his daughters who is bracing herself for the sadness associated with facing another Christmas without him. There is an empty sadness that gnaws at the very pit of our stomachs. We miss him very much. His needless act only took a second, but the wake he left behind will last for the rest of our lives.



I know these two people loved the ones whom they left behind, but their actions indicate that they cared more for themselves. Perhaps my friend died doing something he loved, but that is little comfort to those who remain in his wake. My brother will not have to cope with the problems of life anymore, but all who knew him and loved him will have a much harder time because of his selfish act. I recently found out that my daughter in law had jumped out of an airplane skydiving. I was sick with worry when I heard about it. I was one reckless person in my youth, but have grown to realize that one reckless act can have devastating results and change so many things in a second. Life is short enough without taking needless risks. Consider those whom you love before taking needless, death defying risks. The thrill of the moment is not worth the devastation left behind. Carefully think of others who will be affected by your acts just as the thoughtful boater does. Watch the wake you leave behind.



Phil 2:3

Let nothing be done through

selfish ambition or conceit, but in

lowliness of mind let each esteem

others better than himself.

Let each of you look out not

only for his own interests, but also

for the interests of others.

How well do you know the Bible?

We are near the end of time according to Bible prophecy; however, the end of time simply cannot happen until one more very important thing happens. What is it?

2 Thess. 2:3-4

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