Are sinkholes the result of an inside job?
A few weeks ago, a frightening thing happened on a local highway. As a result of Hurricane Harvey, a huge sinkhole occurred on busy FM 762 near I-69 in Rosenberg. It completely swallowed the road at a depth of near 20 feet. Because it happened in daylight, no one was hurt. But just think about what could have happened if it had been at night?
Several of us peered over the side and saw the rushing water and debris below. We all agreed that we were grateful that we had not driven into it in the blinding rain. It’s just one more thing to thank God for at the end of the day – tragedies avoided!
Sink holes seem to be more common of late. In fact, a current report stated that following Hurricane Irma in Florida, at least eight huge sinkholes swallowed roads, homes, and property. Experts say that a sinkhole often develops when excess water below ground, begins to slowly erode the soil, resulting in a cavity or cave. A storm can push excess water into the cavity below which forces it to enlarge, until it can no longer support the weight of whatever is above. What appears to be a sudden occurrence, is really the result of long-term erosion. Hurricane Harvey was the last straw!
Can you see any spiritual implications? Have you ever seen what appears to be a normal Christian life, suddenly cave in? A marriage breaks apart, or a huge sin is revealed, or senseless violence erupts. You think from the outside, how could this happen? They seemed like such strong, committed people. But, could it have been an inside job? Could it be that internal weaknesses had been growing over time, until a sudden storm in life caused everything to collapse? Could be.
Were there sinkholes in the Bible? Something like a sinkhole swallowed rebellious Korah, Dathan, and Abiram after they led a group of 250 renowned men against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. (Numbers 16). In Revelation 12, it appears that a huge sinkhole swallows the enemies of God. While sinkholes in the Bible are usually connected to judgment, that is not always true in our modern life. But a sinkhole has never been considered a good thing.
Experts say that certain warning signs often occur alerting homeowners that a sinkhole may be developing. You may hear cracking and popping sounds that reveal that the house is under stress. Possibly the doors begin to stick, or the windows won’t open correctly, or there may be new cracks in the walls. These are signs that something is wrong. Do not ignore the warning signs.
The same is true in our spiritual lives. Such warning signs as a lack of spiritual passion, unprovoked anger, isolation from Believers, a vindictive attitude, or a stingy spirit could be outward signs that your spiritual life is eroding down deep. Outwardly, the righteous façade still looks good. But, inwardly, things are getting fragile. All it would take is a health storm, or a financial tsunami, or a relationship hurricane to collapse your life into ruins.
Now is the time to take a spiritual inventory of your life. Psalm 19:12-13 NIV, “But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.”
Please avoid sudden collapse.