Hidden Reefs Ahead

I enjoy boating in all of its many different forms – sailboats, speedboats, and my tandem kayak. I love getting out on the water when I am able, especially with those that I love. When we lived in the Bahamas, I had the joy of being with Bahamian friends who were extremely experienced boaters. A topic that often came up, especially in the shallow Caribbean sea, was coral reefs that were right under the surface of the water that could tear the hull of a boat apart. Almost all of my Bahamian friends could share a personal experience of themselves or someone they knew, having a painful encounter with a coral reef. Interestingly, Jude warns his readers that there are destructive “hidden reefs” (Jude 1:12) in their churches hiding under the surface of ministry, that could cause them and others incredible harm.

Jude, by pointing out a hard reality, is offering a gift to those who might not know where those hidden reefs are. He is saying, "Be careful, the tide might hide their appearance, but if you allow them to, they will destroy you.” Likewise, those of us who have experienced the painful reality of sin can share our own experiences with others, so someone else might avoid having to experience that pain for themselves.

Many years ago, I met with a distraught parent who was heartbroken and angry about her son’s underage drinking. She was angry at his friends, at those who made his drinking possible, and once we prayed about it, she admitted that she was particularly afraid he would have to go through the pain she experienced in her own battle with alcohol addiction. She feared he would put himself and others in harm's way, as she had done. After really working through it, she and I agreed that some of her anger about the situation was rooted in the fear that her son would follow in her own painful footsteps. 

So I asked if she had ever shared with her son the story of her struggle with alcohol and the impact it had on her life. She admitted that she had not; she was too ashamed of her past mistakes and the reality of the consequences. She wanted to try to protect him, but she did not want to protect him by sharing the deep personal reasons she had fear for him. After some time, and a lot of prayer, she decided to share her painful story with her son. I think it led to a breakthrough for both of them. He understood better why she was taking this so seriously. He was convicted and decided to have his mom be a part of his sobriety journey. In the end, they both grew together.

When Jude mentions hidden reefs, I think he is choosing to “go there” and be willing to talk about something that not everybody is willing to talk about. You might just be surprised at how helpful it can be for them and for you. 

Expectantly,

Shawn