Take Heed

Two days ago I received word that one of my dear friends had succumbed to temptation. Since then his wife has left him, the church he served in has dismissed him and no one seems to know where he is. My heart aches for him and the church. This is the second time in the last few months that this has happened to one of my friends and I am grieved because of it. People's emotions and feelings are running rampant (mine included). Some are disappointed and upset while others are bewildered and confused. What is even worse is that reproach and shame has been brought on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and His church. These men are my friends. I prayed with them and served alongside them. We shared our heartaches with each other. They are my brothers. We live in perilous times. While these men are near and dear to me I'm sure there are others who could repeat my story. There are questions that I want answered: Why are these things happening? How can they be prevented from happening again? What can I do?
Most of us think that this would never happen to us. I know I thought it. Several years ago while I was in seminary we had an outbreak of moral failures. Our professor addressed the issue in class. I was sitting there thinking that I would never do such a thing. In my mind I was listing reasons why I would never be unfaithful to my wife. About the time I had convinced myself how wonderfully pure I was and would remain that way, the professor said that if you are sitting here and thinking that you would never do such a thing and that you would always remain faithful, you are the very one that is most likely to fall!
(I knew those guys were really smart but could he actually be reading my mind?) Needless to say he had my attention. The Bible says, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
I do not have all the answers but God’s word does. The 1 Corinthian 10 passage speaks to this issue. What is amazing to me is that Paul spoke of the people eating and drinking then rising up to play (10:7) before he cited other sins and rebellions. It seems that most of our failures usually begin when we are full and satisfied, when we don’t seem to ‘need’ God. Then we begin to look elsewhere as our hearts lust for something more. These things usually happen because we seek our satisfaction from others instead of God. And knowing why they happen is a sure way of preventing them in the first place. We must, in the power of the Holy Spirit, keep our minds stayed upon our Lord. He will keep us in perfect peace. (Ia.26:3) And what can you do? Take heed, be on your guard. If you are a follower of Christ you are an enemy of the devil. He seeks to devour you and your family. Never think you are above any sin or temptation. Have some accountability in your life. When possible, don’t allow yourself to be put in a situation where you can be tempted. And above all keep yourself close to God and your spouse. We live in perilous times but not impossible times. Don’t allow Satan to ruin you and those close to you. Have faith in God.