-March 23, 2021-
Good morning, happy Wednesday,
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
(1 Corinthians 10:12).
Pride is destructive for a Christian. Once we think we are strong in ourselves, we are bound to fall. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” There is no room for self reliance. This happened to Peter twice. The first time, was when he was walking on water. It did fine for a few steps but then he looked at the wind and waves, and began to sink. The second was when he told Jesus that he would never stumble because of Him but instead he denied Jesus three times.
Jesus told His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” We all have the capacity to fall into sin. We must be vigilant, always watching, praying, and relying on Jesus. As soon as we think we stand, we are in trouble. Invincibility leads to vulnerability. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Paul recognized that victory only comes through Christ.
Satan knows our weaknesses and tries to exploit them. Often even our strengths become weaknesses when we think that we can handle our problems on our own. Fortunately, our weaknesses can become strengths when we seek the Lord and His sufficient grace. The Lord doesn’t want us to fall. He will support us and help us to be strong in Him.
Falling is a big problem, especially for older folks. We have to be very careful when walking. Spiritual falls are even worse than physical ones. The key words in today’s verse are: “lest he fall.” Taking heed requires non-stop watchfulness and prayer. One misstep call can land us in a bad place that affects us and others around us. This is why Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). The word “circumspectly” can be rendered “carefully.” Are you careful in your walk with the Lord?
May the Lord help us to watch and pray; walk carefully, and not rely on ourselves but on Him. There are many obstacles and impediments we must watch out for. As Paul said, “He who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
Have a blessed day relying on the Lord and not on ourselves. Stay safe and healthy.
In His care,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 