Dabblers and Divers

"When He had stopped speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”    Luke 5:4.  NKJV

Today, let us look at diving into the deep - such as water. When Peter was having problems getting a catch from his boat, Jesus said told him to launch out into the deep. Why was this? Mainly because the choice fish - the ones that would profit Peter, swam further out into the deep water.

Look at the bird world for instance. Ducks fit into two categories, dabblers and divers. The dabblers can be observed mostly with their heads under the water and their rear end on show for all to see. Mallards for example fit into this category. They mostly stick to the water's edge where they can easily negotiate their bodies to find tasty morsels just under the water. Some church visitors, especially recent converts can be a little like this. They stand or sit on the edge of the church, in the background and rarely show their faces probably because they are nervous to do this among the throng of other church members.

Now the divers - for instance, Hooded Mergansers, abandon all to explore the deeper waters. Other birds such as the Kingfisher and various sea birds like Cormorants and Gannets, to mention a few, also adopt this behaviour. Once under the water, they discover an assortment of fish and other goodies to satisfy their hunger. What can't be found by sticking to the edge, can always be found by going deeper. Do you get the idea?

When it comes to the Christian life, dabbling might be just enough to keep you alive until the next church service. But how much richer, how much more rewarding it is to dive to the depths of sanctification and sacrifice. There is so much we can do when it comes to getting to know Jesus much more. Bible reading, from a version that you understand better - a study bible is very helpful. Then there are Christian teaching books by well known and grounded teachers of the Word. Private study groups and much more.

Think about Peter that day. They had been struggling all night to get a significant catch, but nothing. However at Jesus' request he said 'Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”  6And when they had done this, they caught a great number of fish, and their net was breaking.  7So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink.'  Luke 5:5-7. Notice the difference in going deeper?

If you’ve been dabbling on the edges in your commitment to serve Christ and to serve in your local church, row out to the middle, step out of the boat, and dive in. I assure you, the water’s great! That’s the difference between dabblers and divers!

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard. 
If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now
Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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