In the Shallows
I didn’t have much money in college, but that didn’t stop the bills. There were things that I needed (college…so expensive!) and a beautiful girl I enjoyed dating (Ashley!). I wanted extra money to take Ashley to an expensive restaurant, and I found the perfect company to aid me in my quest.
I attended their meeting, and the speaker promised endless riches. Everything sounded legitimate as I listened to his silver tongue slap against the roof of his mouth. Yes, I could do it! Yes, I would be a millionaire! No more money woes! I gave him $500 to get started.
I hit the streets! I printed out flyers and created a website! I even sold product, but it was very difficult. My recruiter was encouraging, even though I struggled in my sales.
After a month of hard work, without pay, I finally realized I was in a pyramid scheme. The speaker was making money from new recruits and my sales. I ended my relationship with the company, and Ashley and I laughed our way to McDonalds.
In our lives, we will meet people that appear authentic. They claim to be Christian. They care about us. They want us to succeed, but within time, their true motives become known. The Bible says in Matthew 7: 15-20 “You will know them by their fruits.” In other words, with enough time, small or large, their true intentions will become evident.
In LOTK, there is a character that fulfills this role of falsehood. Waide is dangerous and set by Sahib with an evil agenda. Although he looks human (or Christian), he’s actually a troll. He speaks with a hiss, because he’s a snake in the grass.
The name Waide means shallow river dweller. His intentions are self-motivated and only skin deep. Also, Waiden is a human territory in LOTK. I removed an “n” to get Waide, thus further deepening his deception. Remove these people from your life, because their agenda does not include your well-being.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
