It is an urban legend and not true. The premise is very simple and the analogy used often.
They say a frog can be placed in a pot of lukewarm water and as long as the water is slowly brought to a boil, he will not jump out and thereby, meet his demise.
I have no idea if it is true or not; neither would I ever test the legend. It has however, made for an analogy I have never forgotten.
The story brings the powerful illustration of how erosion, or compromise, can take place in our lives ever so slowly.
Our lives can begin to fall apart, also known as deteriorate, without us ever realizing it is occurring. We can be on the right path and take a detour which seems correct, yet leads us astray. We wouldn’t be the first to whom this occurred.
The Israelites, God’s very own people, His chosen people, made some costly choices (aka, compromises). It might be wise for us to learn from them and avoid a few pitfalls ourselves. Paul in writing of them states:
“Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:11-12, NASB)
What should we learn from their trek through the wilderness?
- God provided nourishment for them but they wanted more to eat.
- They had seen and experienced miracles, yet chased after other gods.
- God protected them from their enemies, leading them on safe paths, yet they grumbled against Him.
We must not let our experiences with God lead us into thinking we are privileged. Our lives must stay balanced, and we need to be careful not to lose our focus along the way.
- Do our wants align with God’s will?
- Are we thinking more highly of ourselves than we should?
- When we achieve success, influence, or wealth, are we using it to bless others and bring God honor and glory?
Our lives need to stay steady, and balanced, if we are going to keep ourselves from compromising God’s ways.
- Remember. “My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments” (Proverbs 3:1, NASB).
- Maintain a life of kindness and truth. “Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck” (Proverbs 3:3, NASB). - Trust God. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5, NASB).
- Be generous. “Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce” (Proverbs 3:9, NASB).
A good start does not mean a good finish.
Remember the frog and
run from the first sign of heat.
We can hear the Father’s voice in the midst of this chaotic world if we simply call out to Him. In her post, “How Can an Arctic Tern Chick Hear its Devoted Father’s Voice in a Flock”, Anita Ojeda shares her experience and thoughts from watching a tern chick. You can read this beautiful post in words and photos HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Ray Hennessy on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
It’s so easy to let our lives get out of balance! Doing a good thing too often can lead to bad things. I wish more people realized this (there’s a reason preacher’s kids struggle…).
I hope to never literally test the hypothesis about the frog. 🙂 “Run from the first sign of heat” will ensure it doesn’t happen to us. Good advice, Joanne.
It’s so true–we need to be aware and watchful of the small things before they become big things from which we can’t wrench ourselves. It’s so easy to be complacent and let things slide until we suddenly realize we’re in big trouble.
Amen. Proverbs 3:1. Keep His commandments. 🙂
I hope it is an urban lesson! Poor frog. But yes we can become just like that with our spiritual walk, especially with a casual attitude towards sin. Thank you Joanne for the great wisdom here to keep our lives balanced and aligned with God. Certainly a good start does not guarantee a good finish, we can look at Samson’s life for an illustration!
Joanne, I’ve heard the same frog story. And like you, whether it’s true or not, it still makes a powerful message for us as believers. The balanced spiritual life matters so we don’t “compromise God’s ways.”
Excellent reminder.
Thanks for sharing.
Wise words, Joanne! I’ve never forgotten the analogy of the frog in the pot either. Sin can be so gradual – and so can addiction!
I like your thought – run from the first sign of heat!
So many amen’s to this, Jo.
The dangers of becoming too comfortable and not paying attention to the dangers around us – poor frog and poor us when that happens! Being vigilant to what God asks of us – and listening for his voice to guide us is so very important. To be honest, I am learning that when I am too comfortable I need to be wary!
Such an excellent reminder to not even allow the hint of sin. Great word. We are to be the aroma of Christ, so we should never smell like garbage!
Such a great example of what has happened to many churches, and Christians today my friend. We’re boiling away in this pot called humanism and we don’t even realize it. Well said.
So true Joanne!
Blessings,
Jennifer
This is so true. Demise can happen so slowly over a long period of time, then boom it hits us in the face, and sometimes we can become blindsided by it. Blessings.
Joanne, in my daily Bible reading I’ve been in Kings and Chronicles lately, and it is so frustrating to read how often the Israelites ignored and disregarded God’s plans and laws for them, and how they suffered the consequences for it time after time. But then I think, what would I have done if I were one of them? I’d like to think I would have followed closely after God, but who knows? I guess all we can do is try to obey and serve him one day at a time now, and always be thankful for His grace and mercy.