One Step Before the Fall

Passage: 1 Corinthians 10:1-20

Key Verse:  “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.” Vs. 12-13

“Get off your high horse, Patricia. You’re always only one step away from falling.”

Those were the words that came to my heart as I was talking to myself, just a few days before Christmas. I was going to be around someone who makes very poor decisions, continually affecting people around them. I’m talking about a professing Christian whose words are very good, but whose life bears no fruit. I’m talking about one of those characters that the Bible warns us about: a wolf in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).

As I thought about being around this person, I found myself getting angry. It was then that God interrupted my train of thoughts as only He can.

“Get off your high horse.”

Take off the black robe of judgment.

Remember who you were before Grace found you.

Sometimes He does that. I know better than to think that He is “remembering my sin”. We have settled that long ago. My sin is buried in the depths of the ocean, where nothing can survive.  (Micah 7:19)

I know that.

But sometimes God has to remind me that we are only one step away from falling.

I don’t know about you, but I need that reminder sometimes. Better yet, I WANT that reminder.

Because, you see, you may look at someone who was once heavily involved in church and is now living like the devil and think that it’ll never happen to you.

“How can you be saved and do that?” “How can you know Jesus and live like this?” you may think.

“But she was an amazing Bible teacher!” “He was a pastor!”

How can someone fall so deep, so fast?

I’ll tell you how.

One.step.at.a.time.

It’s that first time looking at pornography, which becomes lustful desires that need to be quenched.

It’s that seemingly innocent flirtation that leads to adultery.

It’s those little things that seem to be so harmless, and yet have the potential to become strongholds in one’s life.

I dare say that if we were to interview every Christian who has turned their back on their faith, we would find out that everything started with one simple step towards the wrong direction. Truly, no born-again Christian wakes up one day, deciding: “Nah! I’m going to neglect God’s Truth altogether, starting today.”

It’s the slowly giving into this flesh of ours that defeats us. It’s the ignoring the Holy Spirit’s red flags that destroys our testimony, one step at a time.

This is a good reflection for the New Year, Indeed

Because either we’ll step closer to God… or away from Him as we progress into 2015. One thing is for sure, we won’t stay where we are. Because being stagnant in our love and devotion to Yahweh is the same as moving away from Him. Why? Because the pulls of this world and our flesh will never push us towards our Maker. They’ll always pull us away from His Truth. Therefore if we let ourselves drift, without purposely seeking His face, self-indulging currents will always pull us away and easily turn us into “slaves of depravity—for people are slaves to whatever has mastered them”.  (2 Peter 2:19)

Hence, if you have a desire to stay close to God, your steps must be deliberate towards Truth. Not away from it.

Truth says there are places you should not go. Activities you should not participate in. Step into that Truth and away from the traps set by the devil to lure you in your weakness. (1 Peter 2:9)

Truth says there is Right… and there is Wrong. Vow not to compromise Truth this year. With your words. With your actions. Within your heart. (Romans 12:2)

Truth says you are not of this world. Set yourself apart. (John 17:14)

Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Step towards Him this year, by renewing your mind each day in His Word. And by pledging to do His will. (John 14:6)

Deliberate. That’s how your steps must be. Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of the devil’s traps. He’s always offering God’s children small, good-looking compromises, which can certainly become that One Step you’ll take before falling.