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Falling has been on my mind a lot over the past week. Seems like there's been so much of it recently; kinda makes you wonder what's going on.
I'm jumping straight to the point: We live in the world and because we're in the world, we're gonna be faced with temptation. And neither you nor I has enough imagination to predict what form it may come in next. I think that's worth remembering.
A Frontal Assault on a seemingly impregnable fortress seems heroic, but a smart enemy never attacks a superior force from the front. Instead, he cunningly relies on stealth, misdirection ... and all-out surprise.
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None of us, not you, not me, not your pastor and not anyone else is invulnerable to temptation. Before anyone, no matter how highly they exalt (and profit from) their own righteousness, points their trigger finger at a fallen brother, they should stop and think about this:
Sin can touch you. The enemy can find you and the enemy is the detroyer. Of everything ... families, careers, ministries and witnesses. To think you're immune from sin, no matter what kind, is to equate yourself with Christ.
You really don't want to do that.
Nor should you feel energetic, proud or boastful ... condemning, ridiculing or creating additional grief for those who've been tricked and fallen prey to the enemy's lies. That's not your role, your commission nor is it your commandment.
Christ is our example ... and he commanded us to forgive others as he forgave us. Angry demands, vindictiveness and the perception of opportunities to settle grudges or long-held scores merely proves who's listening to themselves, instead of listening to the Spirit.
"But but but ..."
The resurrected Christ never scolded or wagged his finger at Pilate, at his accusers, or even at Judas who betrayed him. Nor did he ridicule Peter for denying him three times. And neither should we accuse, humiliate or condemn anyone who's fallen, much less someone we feel certain has disappointed or betrayed us.
