Over One's Skies

The idiom over one’s skies refers to someone who takes on a task or responsibility beyond his or her abilities or qualifications.  When I first heard the phrase, I thought it had something to do with snow skiing.  The expression over one’s head can also apply.

I have never tried skiing myself.  It has always been outside my comfort zone.  I did not want to break any limbs—and I am not talking about low-handing tree branches.

Many sports come to mind in which I would definitely be “over my skies”: freestyle rock climbing, skydiving, scuba diving in shark-infested waters, or surfing the thirty-foot monster waves that frequently pound the shores of Oahu, Hawaii.  Such waves occur at renowned big-wave locations like Waimea Bay.  Anyone who attempts these activities with little or no training could lose their life if they are not properly prepared.

Thrill-seekers are everywhere.  Some view such adventures as personal challenges designed to test their untrained abilities and limited qualifications.  Ego, self-reliance, or overconfidence may play a role in their decision-making, leading them to attempt dangerous feats without expert instruction.  Their attitude might be summed up this way: “Training?  I don’t need it!”

As for me, I refuse to venture into areas of uncertainty when it is obvious that I am unqualified.  Even though others may possess the experience, training, and expertise necessary to succeed, their readiness does nothing to help those who are determined to conquer challenges without seeking assistance.  When people reject professional guidance, they close the door on wisdom.

In my opinion, an inexperienced person who pursues dangerous sports without proper training is behaving recklessly.  Think about it.  How could such individuals respond to a crisis and survive without knowing what to do in an emergency?  If they venture into situations for which they are unprepared and refuse expert advice, they have only themselves to blame when things go wrong.

These thoughts bring me to the main point of this writing.

The individuals described above remind me of people who believe they are good enough on their own merits to gain entrance into heaven.  Because they work hard, help others, and strive to be kind and benevolent, they assume they are traveling the right road to glory.

My mother and father were both Christians before they passed away.  Neither could stand in my place and bear the punishment for my sins.  As an unbeliever, I refused to listen to their counsel concerning God’s commandments and the path I should follow to make heaven my home.  If I died in my sins, the responsibility would be mine alone.

Eventually, I opened my heart to God’s Word and realized there was only one person—Jesus Christ—who could enable a self-sufficient person like me to enter heaven through the born-again experience.  My determination to do things my own way finally surrendered to the truth that my self-righteousness could never take me there.  Without His help, spiritual death was my destiny.

The amazing reality of salvation centers on one perfect man—Jesus Christ.  His sacrifice on the cross, the death of God’s Son, provided the foundation of hope that I now possess.  My confidence rests in Him, not in my own filthy righteousness.

Some people consider themselves Bible scholars.  Others faithfully attend Bible college.  Some earn doctorate degrees in theology through years of hard work and dedication.  Still others believe that salvation comes through good works and being a good person.  Yet this mindset of self-sufficiency reminds me of those who think they can survive dangerous sports merely because they trust in their own abilities, without an expert to guide them.

In essence, what could be inscribed upon their tombstone at the end of life’s journey is this: OVER ONE’S SKIES.

Written by,

Papa Boyd