FROZEN FEET AND FROZEN SOULS

After living 16 winters in the north country and experiencing temperatures as low as 58 degrees below, I can tell of several people who suffered with frozen feet. Permit me to mention three such cases.

One man I met had his feet frozen badly while battling against a northern blizzard. His passion for gold had kept him in the wilderness until winter engulfed him. He did not pay the full price as some outdoor men have done -- he did not forfeit his life. He battled against the biting blizzard and gained shelter, but froze both his feet. One foot was later amputated.

That man had been seeking gold; but he failed in his objective and had his feet frozen. If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, Thou art my confidence; … this also were an iniquity to be punished by the judge: for I should have denied the God that is above. Job 31:24-28

The next man had his feet frozen while walking in light socks and shoes to a dance. He never danced that night but was later given medical attention. Whether he lost his feet or pulled through, I do not know; but I saw the blackness of his flesh – the after effects f frostbite. I know that he did not dance for some time to come, if ever again. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. James 5:5

Contrast this verse with the following: By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; (Hebrews 11:24, 25)

I met another victim of winter’s wrath who had been drowning life’s responsibilities and sorrows with the contents of a bottle. Half stupefied with drink, he retired for the night but failed to latch his cabin door. The wind blew it open. Feeling the cold, he pulled the blankets up over his head without realizing in his half-stupor that his feet were exposed. They tuned black and were almost as hard as granite. I banged my knuckles against his frozen flesh, and it was like banging one’s fist against stone. Both feet were later amputated. Solomon said: Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)

One man had his feet frozen while seeking gold; another man while seek pleasures; and yet another while ensnared by the bottle.

Frozen feet are bad enough; but along with frozen feet were “frozen” souls, and a “frozen” soul is far worse. To lose one’s feet is indeed a tragedy; but to lose the soul in eternal destruction.

For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world (gold, pleasures, drink), and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)

The above story was found in a booklet with out cover, and only held together with a rubber band. The author's name was not included, so I don't know who to get credit to, Bro. Jeff.