“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall."
I Corinthians 10:12
A stern statement from Paul to the church at Corinth. He speaks in relation to eating in the temples of idols, and warns believers there against any type of association with idols—they felt they had reached a level of maturity to participate in idol worship! During the exodus from Egypt, Yahweh (God) led His people out of captivity by miracle after miracle; using a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Still, they became proud and buckled before temptation time and again. Paul pleads with the Corinthian believers to not allow pride in themselves to prevent a humble attitude towards their own sinful nature.
Peter told Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death" (Luke 22:33). Within hours, he denied even knowing Jesus to simple servant girl. How does this happen? How do we become so confident in our spirituality that we seemingly run in the midst of trial? It happens when we do not feast on scripture daily, and pray continually with the Father. I can soon forget that I am a great sinner, saved by a greater savior. I begin living this life as if it is my own and not as one eternally surrendered to Christ Jesus and His gospel. My life can very quickly become useless to the gospel if I refuse to take hold of the sustaining power given me.
Father, may we constantly be reminded of our sinful, weak state before you. Praise you for your great grace and love for us, your children. Never allow us to wander too far into temptation , discipline us and bring us back to following in the footsteps of Jesus. Humble us daily, lest we fall into sin against you.
