Barnacles
Throughout our lives we will all be
confronted with difficult circumstances, trying situations and relational
conflicts that often go unresolved. These can stick to us and cause us great
amounts of discomfort and trouble if we do not learn how to properly deal with
them.
In the decades-long battle for naval supremacy that was
fought between Britain and France at the end of the 18th century, the British
fleet had a secret weapon. It was, as secret weapons often are, hugely
expensive. But it paid off, giving British ships more speed, maneuverability
and staying power than their French rivals. It was copper.
By covering the underwater parts of their ships' hulls with
copper plates ... the British admirals stopped barnacles, mussels and burrowing
clams from taking up residence. In fleets that were otherwise well-matched the
result was decisive. France lost. The British Empire became the global
superpower of the 19th century. And the world speaks English, not French.
Ship-fouling, then, can have rather far-reaching
consequences. Even now, when naval supremacy is less of an issue, the problem
is rife. The drag imposed by a heavy infestation of barnacles may push a ship's
fuel consumption up by as much as 40%.[1]
As believers in Christ and ministers of the gospel we are
all susceptible to barnacles of another sort in our personal and ministry
lives. The fouling of rejection,
disappointments and betrayal we experience in pursuit of our calling to serve
God and His people can leave us emotionally wounded, physically exhausted and
spiritually drained. Just as barnacles on a ship’s hull diminish its efficiency
and tax its resources, so the continual barrage of fiery darts from the enemy
if allowed to attach themselves to us, will drag upon our souls, dull our
vision, sap our energy, our strength, and threaten to sink our faith.
Through course of life as we deal with people, it is
inevitable that trials and offenses, weights and worries will come. The
challenge for us is not to become fouled.
If we are to "fight the good
fight and lay hold on eternal life" then we must "keep [guard] our hearts with all diligence" and take up
the weapons of our warfare which "are
not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds". We
must deal with every known sin, renew our commitment to obey the Word of God in
all things, build up our faith by praying in the Holy Spirit and boldly stand
in the power of the cross through the blood of Christ.
The British triumphed over the French and went on to rule
two-thirds of the world by keeping a small, seemingly harmless creature from
attaching itself to hulls of their warships by covering them in copper. As we
cover our hearts, lives and ministries in prayer, the Word assures us that we
have been made "more than conquerors
through Christ" who loves us.
We have the promise of victory through the triumph of Christ, all the while
remembering, we must keep our hearts with all diligence and not grow weary in
well doing, but press on toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of
God in Christ Jesus.
@msmcreynolds 2013
[1] Reducing the Barnacle Bill, The
Economist Technology Quarterly September 3, 2011 http://www.economist.com/node/21527029
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