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It was hailed as the answer to a dream for thousands of coal miners. It was introduced as sort of a "magic bullet" for many workers in dangerous occupations, not only in the mining industry, but also those who work with silica dust and asbestos.
The 3M company introduced the #8710 as the first disposable respirator mask. It was a welcome change to the older, bulky and heavier masks that preceded it. Those masks were so much more uncomfortable to wear and made unpleasant jobs more bearable. The only problem is that for thirty years they didn't provide the protection that the workers needed. Only now are workers having respiratory problems like the dreaded black lung disease, silicosis and asbestosis.
What sounded like such a good idea, wasn't! What was exchanged was comfort for safety. That's what we like-comfort! We sometimes live by the philosophy that says, "Don't bother me with the facts…just make me comfortable."
Well, I don't mind a little comfort, but when it comes to spiritual matters, one must be careful to not always follow the path of least resistance. When it comes to life and eternity, Jesus says that His way is harder, narrower, but in the long run, in eternity, will bring salvation!
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life,
and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
As Christians we have decided to go on the route that may be more difficult, less comfortable, but in the end, will make all the difference.
Tom Nuckels |