Be Careful Not to Fall

"So if you think you are stading firm, be careful that you do not fall." 1 Corinthians 10:12

When we think we are standing firm and strong enough to resist temptation in our own strength, we have become wise in our own eyes. Beware! This is a dangerous place to be. To think we would never do this or that - in other words, standing firm - we are most at risk for tempatation or falling. The enemy lies in wait, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Who better than a believer that declares, as with a self-vow, that they will always or never do something. Instead, we should say, "Lord willing, I will never..." The moment we make a blanket vow, knowingly or unknowingly, implying that in our own strength we can resist something, the enemy sneaks a toe in the door and looks for opportunity to test that vow and bring the believer down. We are to stand firm, but not on our own. We are to stand firm in the strength and power of the Lord.

Have you made any self-vows, knowingly or unknowingly? These are "I will always" and "I will never" statements. One of the most dangerous examples I can think of is "I would never have an affair." Be careful. If you think you can resist this in your own strength, on your own good morals, watch out. The enemy is crafty. He might first get you a little disgruntled in your marriage, then dangle really good relationships in front of you, causing you to desire more for yourself. Even convincing you that you deserve it. Then no doubt he'll send someone along to pay you the attention you "deserve". And whether you ever go there physically, you have sinned once you go there in your mind, envisioning yourself with that person. The enemy crept in, tested the one who thought they would "never" and proved that given the right circumstances, they "would". Unfortunately I have seen it happen on more than one occasion. So walk carefully and on guard.

Father God, help me to stand firm and strong in You, in the power of the Living Word, fully armed and dressed for battle. In Jesus Name, Amen.