Be Careful Not to Fall

When I was younger, I didn’t worry much about falling. I ran across the street, jumped over puddles, and took the stairs two at a time. Today, however, it is a different story. I watch for the cracks in the sidewalk. I spy out the shortest steps to go up. And if you see me running it is because someone is chasing me. I even use the handrails when available. I am more careful as I get older because I don’t want to fall.

All of God’s people, regardless of age need to use caution to ensure that they do not fall. Paul uses the people of Israel as a negative example to not do what they did during their wilderness wanderings. He exhorts us in 1 Cor. 10:11,12: “Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore, let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall”. Even though the Israelites were God’s people they disobeyed Him and gave in to various temptations. They committed idolatry by worshipping the false gods of the surrounding nations. They also fell into sexual immorality with the pagan peoples. As they journeyed in the wilderness they complained constantly to God and Moses.

Temptations surround you and me. Learning from bad examples is better than suffering a dangerous fall ourselves. We must make every effort not to fall. 1 Cor. 10:13 challenges us: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it”. God has given us a strategy not to fall. He first promised not to allow any temptation that we could not handle with His strength. Next, we must be aware of the danger and hang onto the guardrails. Then we should always be looking for the back door of escape. If we do end up falling into sin. God is there, ready to forgive, restore, and heal us.