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Staying Alert to Danger
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
1 Corinthian 10:11–13
In July of 1911, a daredevil named Bobby Leach decided to try going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. A number of people had been killed in making such an attempt. To increase his chances of survival, Leach had a special steel drum designed to protect him, and though he suffered a few minor injuries, he did indeed survive the great plunge over the falls.
A few years later, Leach slipped on an orange peel while walking down the street. He badly fractured his leg and was hospitalized. Not long after he died from complications that set in from his injury. He survived a great danger, but he died from something that seemed to pose no danger at all.
There is perhaps no more dangerous time in the Christian life than the moment when we think that we have things together and can relax. The devil doesn’t take days off. He is constantly on the prowl seeking openings through doors we have carelessly left open that he can exploit. He delights to see Christians “too busy” to pray and too burdened down with the cares of the day to spend time meditating on God’s Word. He knows that if he can convince us to let down our guard, he will be able to take advantage of our moments of weakness. God calls us to be alert and humble every single day.
1 Corinthian 10:11–13
In July of 1911, a daredevil named Bobby Leach decided to try going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. A number of people had been killed in making such an attempt. To increase his chances of survival, Leach had a special steel drum designed to protect him, and though he suffered a few minor injuries, he did indeed survive the great plunge over the falls.
A few years later, Leach slipped on an orange peel while walking down the street. He badly fractured his leg and was hospitalized. Not long after he died from complications that set in from his injury. He survived a great danger, but he died from something that seemed to pose no danger at all.
There is perhaps no more dangerous time in the Christian life than the moment when we think that we have things together and can relax. The devil doesn’t take days off. He is constantly on the prowl seeking openings through doors we have carelessly left open that he can exploit. He delights to see Christians “too busy” to pray and too burdened down with the cares of the day to spend time meditating on God’s Word. He knows that if he can convince us to let down our guard, he will be able to take advantage of our moments of weakness. God calls us to be alert and humble every single day.
Today’s Growth Principle:
There will never be a day until you reach Heaven when it is safe to let down your guard against sin.
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