Watching the news today in regards to the Mississippi flooding there was considerable concern mentioned regarding “sand boils.” For those who don’t know what those are, according to Wikipedia these “occur when water under pressure wells up through a bed of sand. The water looks like it is “boiling” up from the bed of sand, hence the name.” As I watched them addressing the seriousness of these occurrences I was strongly impressed that this phenomenon actually has a equivalent that similarly takes place in both the moral and spiritual realm as well. I say moral as well as spiritual because there are many people who are not godly who really believe they are “good people.” They have consistently lived their lives by a defined level of morality and have therefore kept themselves in their minds distinct from those they consider to be a more abase manner of people.
However, as is life, there are times when circumstances get out of our control and these external pressures steadily build up. When this happens, the moralities of these individuals are invaded by the same pollutions they had thought themselves to be greater than. If challenged regarding their moral change or outburst of behavior it is quickly explained that it was only because of the extenuating circumstances; there is a defensible justification for their apparent change of conduct. If it had not been for the forces beyond their control they never would have reacted the way they did, therefore (they argue) their behavior should be considered “justifiable” and would be debated so if the matter were to make into a court of law.
Gates of the City 