Be Careful

“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” I Corinthians 10:12

We’ve all seen the videos. The girl walking a backyard tightrope. The kid hitting a ramp on his bike at full speed. The guy “surfing” on a sled behind his buddy’s ATV. At that moment, I guarantee you they’re all thinking the same thing–“I’m doing it!” “This is great!” “I’m great!” Of course the next few seconds of tape inevitably show a horrible crash, hopefully one without life altering injuries! We watch those clips, and think, “Wow! What a terrible decision! How could they be so stupid?” And yet in today’s verse, Paul cautions us about the same attitude in our spiritual lives. We read about the nation of Israel, and all of their sin and idolatry and immorality (I Corinthians 10:1-11). We wonder what would possess them to make such terrible decisions. Why would they turn from God like that? Paul says their story has been recorded for us as an example. Here’s the reality–we are all capable of turning away from God. We are all capable of idolatry. Every time we serve ourselves instead of God, every time we choose even good things like family and work before we choose God, we have committed idolatry. Every time we lust after a person who is not our spouse, we commit adultery (Matthew 5:28). Every time we tell less than the truth, we have lied.
Take a look at your life. Right now. Examine your heart (II Corinthians 13:5). Test yourself. Are you unconcerned about the potential pitfalls around you? Can I challenge you to take an unbiased look at your heart? Be careful. Just when you think you are standing strong, a fall could be right around the corner.

-Pastor Mike