Beware of Curare

In 1799 the famous Prussian explorer and scientist Baron Von Humboldt discovered a potent drug called curare.

On an expedition into the jungles of Venezuela, he watched an Indian hunter bring down a large animal with a single shot from his bow and arrow. The arrow had been poisoned with curare, a potion with two curious properties, derived from the jungle paints.

Curare injected into the bloodstream, as it was when hunting animals, was deadly. It immobilized the body, attacked the vital organs, and caused death almost instantaneously.

Humboldt discovered the second property of curare in a more dramatic fashion. He became sick, and a native witch doctor forced Humboldt to drink some curare that had been diluted with water. Terrified that he was going to die, Humboldt was surprised to find that after drinking the curare, he felt significantly better. Curare, when it was diluted and taken orally, he discovered, could have a positive medicinal value without causing any damage to vital organs.

The key to curare’s impact lies principally in the way it is taken into the human body. Injected into the bloodstream, it’s deadly killer. Ingested orally, it’s a soothing muscle relaxant.

Christianity is a lot like curare. Its impact depends chiefly on how it is received. Many people choose to take it orally, diluted as much as possible, so that it has few side effects and makes them feel better- but that’s not the purpose of true Christianity.

Christianity’s purpose is to change us into new creations in Christ. In order for us to become new creations, we must die to our old selves and be born again, trading in our old lives for new ones. Those who want a “safe” Christianity that costs them little have a difficult time accepting death and new birth. True Christianity is not safe- it costs you your life. It cost God His only beloved Son, and it will cost you everything to follow Him. Paul wrote,” I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” ( Gal. 2:20a).

Don’t settle for a watered-down version of Christianity. It can’t be taken orally. It has to be injected.

Taken from Hot Illustrations For Youth Talks by Wayne Rice