Standing firm

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

– 1 Corinthians 10:12

Just the other day, I was telling my friend about the ridiculous amount of times I’ve tripped, slipped and fallen on my hind end or knees. I won’t ever forget about the time I tripped & almost did a complete split in front of my 11^th grade English class (oh yes, I did). I’ll just say it, I’m a {little} clumsy. Pretty sure in about 30 years I’ll need one of those buttons, “Help I’ve fallen & I can’t get up!” Come Lord Jesus.

It happens to the best of us, right?  We are just going about our day and bam!, we’re kissing that curb or staring at the ceiling.  Distractions & unexpected circumstances can catch us at any time.

The Apostle Paul warns us that we can take a tumble in our spiritual lives as well.  He says, “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” Oh, I’ve also fallen more times spiritually than I would like to tell you. At some point or another in my Christian walk – I fell to gossip, lies, jealousy, bitterness, lust, anger, pride, gluttony, materialism, and I’ll stop there. You get the point, I’m far from perfect. I may think I’m doing pretty good sometimes, but reality is, I’m walking a very fine line every moment I’m awake. Temptations and “bumps in the road” are always near me.

Earlier in Chapter 10, we read examples of how the Israelites wanderings in the desert should be a warning to us.  Most of us think “Ugh, how could they complain & worship idols (turn their eyes to other things) after everything God did for them?”. Yep, we should be asking ourselves the same question. They faced severe consequences for all that too – they were scattered through out the desert, bitten by snakes (yikes!), & 23,000 of them died in one day!

So, we know what it’s like to fall. It can be embarrassing & painful. How can we prevent it? Pauls says, “If you think you’re standing firm….” . Being self-confident sounds good on paper, but it’s not a successful way to live. If you’re constantly thinking, “I’ve got this”, then you need to be careful because you’re setting yourself up to fail. Instead of self-confidence, seek God-confidence. This kind of confidence is gained through daily prayer and knowing God’s word. God-confident women are intentional, careful, respectful, joyful, thankful, loving, patient, kind, humble, honest, calm, etc.

Let’s all agree to slow down, fix our eyes on Jesus, and stand firm so we can confidently accomplish all the amazing plans He has for each of us (without too many bruised bums or elbows) !!

Heavenly Father, you know how clumsy and stubborn I can be. Thank you for loving me so much to give me a chance to take your hand and start over. I’m sorry for thinking I can live a day without my eyes fixed on you and your Word. I WILL follow you today. Amen.

 

~ Erin Ramsey

 

Other Scriptures:

• Hebrews 12:2
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Proverbs 18:12; 16:5
• Luke 8:18
• 2 Peter 3:17