President Boyd Packer shared a great analogy about the danger of spiritual crocodiles. While touring the church in South Africa he was given the opportunity to visit a game reserve. It was very dry that season and there wasn't much water, just really muddy spots. When the elephants stepped into the soft mud, the water would seep into the depression and the animals would drink from the elephant tracks. Some antelope would approach the mud hole, only to turn and run away in great fright. President Packer could see no lions and asked the guide why they didn't drink. The guide answered, "crocodiles." President Packer thought he was joking and said, "Nonsense, there are no crocodiles out there. Anyone can see that."They drove closer to get a better view and the guide said, "There, see for yourself." He couldn't see anything except the mud, a little water, and the nervous animals in the distance. Then, all at once he saw it! It was there all along, but it took a trained eye to see it.
"Those ahead of you in life have probed about the water holes a bit and raise a voice of warning about crocodiles. Not just the big, gray lizards that can bite you to pieces, but spiritual crocodiles, infinitely more dangerous, and more deceptive and less visible, even, than those well-camouflaged reptiles of Africa.These spiritual crocodiles can kill or mutilate your souls. They can destroy your peace of mind and the peace of mind of those who love you. Those are the ones to be warned against, and there is hardly a watering place in all of mortality now that is not infested with them."
Although, some temptations in our lives won't be as quick and sudden they can be just as deceptive. We must always be on the lookout and put trust and faith in those people who have experience. We can learn from other people's wrong choices and not put ourselves in spiritual danger. As we follow the Gospel of Jesus Christ we can be sure that we'll be far away from any crocodile-infested water holes.Spiritual Crocodiles
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