The Plimsoll Mark

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Hebrews 4:14-16

Caden looked at the crumpled wrapping paper and the pile of birthday gifts from everyone in his family. He liked all his presents—but he couldn’t help a small shiver of excitement when the last gift was brought out and placed in front of him. This was from Grandpa Baker, and everyone knew it would be the highlight of the occasion. Grandpa’s hobby was making model ships out of pine and balsa wood. The finished models were works of art, and Grandpa made a special ship for each grandchild’s twelfth birthday.

Caden carefully removed the wrapping paper from the box and lifted out the ship. “Wow! This is amazing, Grandpa!” He gave his grandfather a hug, then turned to study and admire the ship again. He pointed to a mark on its side. “Grandpa, what’s this line for?” He knew there was a reason for all the details on his grandfather’s models.

“That’s called a Plimsoll mark,” Grandpa answered. “When ships were overloaded, they would sometimes sink and lives would be lost. Way back in the 1800s, a man named Samuel Plimsoll worked to reform the shipping laws, and he got a new law passed. It required a mark to be made on each ship. If the water level was above that mark, it meant the ship was overloaded, and some of the cargo would have to be removed.”

“So the mark is named after him?” Caden asked.

“Right,” said Grandpa. “I like to think that Christians have a special mark too.”

“They do?” Caden grinned and held out his arms. “I don’t see one on me—or on you either,” he teased. He knew Grandpa would have an explanation.

Grandpa smiled. “Well, God knows just where it is,” he said, “and He promises that we won’t be overloaded with temptation greater than we can resist with His help.” He gave Caden a hug. “Whenever you look at your model ship, I hope it will remind you that I love you and that Jesus loves you even more. He understands you perfectly and knows where your own personal ‘Plimsoll mark’ is. He knows exactly what you can handle. When you’re tempted, trust Him to help you find the way of escape He provides.” Linda M. Weddle

How About You?

Do you look to God for help when you’re tempted to do wrong? Sometimes you may want to do something wrong so badly that you just don’t see how you can help yourself. If you know Jesus, remember that He lives in you and gives you power to resist sin. Depend on Him for help, knowing that He will never let you be pushed beyond your ability to say no. Trust Him to show you the way out so you will not give in to temptation.

Today’s Key Verse:
1 Corinthians 10:13 God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

You can overcome temptation