As the quarterback drops back and throws, the receiver hesitantly extends his arms toward to the ball. Sensing a defensive player closing in, he’s not eager to complete the catch. His focus is more on protecting himself from the defense’s attack. In situations like this, when a receiver demonstrates partial effort in catching a ball, it can be said he has “alligator arms.” And likewise, our faith can be like having “alligator arms.” At times, we fail to take full advantage of our opportunities to grow in our relationship with Christ or share our faith with others because we are afraid of what the costs may be. We let fear of circumstances control us, because we prefer to stay safe in our “comfort zone” rather than stretching ourselves and trusting in God.

Do you have alligator arms like the football player who fails to stretch out fully when catching a ball? Are you just going through the motions with your faith and fumbling through life because you're afraid of taking hard hits? If you want to give your life to God, if you want to follow Christ, if you want to give your talents, your loyalty, your service to Him, then get rid of those alligator arms. Don’t keep God at a short arm’s length. Fully reach out to Him, and He'll give you the confidence to live completely for Him.