The Diver Divine

In the depths of the ocean, it's too dark to see
the wrecks and the refuse that lay on its floor.
But floating dead fish, oil spills, and debris
are much easier to spot than what rots in its core.

At great cost, fine equipment is needed to reach
miles down where no human could possibly go
So weak man often studies the sea from the beach
where what fouls the depths doesn't bother him so.

My heart's like the ocean: I often just peer
at the sin near the surface, quite easy to see.
I remove floating garbage, then turn 'round and steer
my small boat back to shore, and the crowd applauds me.

But the depths of my heart, where alone I can't go
house infection and cancer that stitches won't fix.
It takes God to reveal what the surface won't show:
roots of selfishness and pride -- an insidious mix!

And the crowds of onlookers who hunger for food
get instead pleasant views which can satisfy not --
or they eat poisoned fish, and then wish they'd not chewed
on the fruit of an ocean whose core reeks with rot.

Oh swimmer, oh boater, be not so content
with successful efforts to clean shallow sin.
But ask, no BEG God to reveal what yet
lies grotesque and vile, rooted deeply within.

He'll provide what you need to see deep down inside:
Wise believers, His Spirit, and the Living Word.
In their mirror's bright light, your sin cannot hide,
if you're willing and humble so vision's not blurred.

But be warned and ready! For what you will see
might shock and dismay you as you understand
that your actions and words are crafted, really,
to protect you -- NOT to be used for His plan!

But just as technology, assisting frail man,
dives miles through darkness to accomplish the task,
so God in His mercy and grace really can
transplant love in your heart if, repentant, you ask.

But not for the fickle, and not for the proud
will the Great Physician fix His child's heart,
but for whom God is life, and for whom life is God,
and who, to love Him, will set all apart.

So, believer, potential incredibly great,
will you welcome, in all parts of life, His kind eye?
And, as sin is exposed, will you vow it to hate,
though its pleasure be dear and its loss make you cry?

For to love, truly love, self-protection must go --
walls and filters prevent love while they prevent pain!
With each deeply, freely-loving act, you will know
that the risk as you love is worth His smile you'll gain.

Give your heart's deep, dark ocean to the Diver Divine
who, in love for His child, longs to clean up its core.
Then, transplanted, His heart within you will shine
and you'll glorify Him -- what you were made for!

This poem won first place for the January 2011 poetry contest