A Good Fear of Falling!

 

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

I Corinthians 10:12-13

All men are tempted to do something wrong!  It is a part of what living on this earth as a human being is all about.  There are some who think that after you become a follower of Jesus all temptation goes away.  That is certainly not true.  Jesus Himself was tempted after He had been in the desert. 

When we are tempted God provides a "way of escape."  That means He shows us how to overcome each temptation and not sin!  There is no temptation that comes your way that is too great for you to resist! 

The best way to respond to temptation is to quickly and without even thinking about it say "GET THEE BEHIND ME SATAN!"  Once you start pondering the temptation and debating whether or not it would really be that bad to give in to it, "just a little," you are in deep trouble!  Quote scripture when you are tempted.  That's what Jesus did! 

I don't like standing on the edge of a deep canyon, even if there is a good guard rail.  I really don't have a fear of heights, but I do have a fear of falling.  My "fear of falling" keeps me away from situations where falling would even be a possibility. 

When you are tempted it is a good thing to have a "fear of falling!"  Falling into sin makes life very difficult for everyone who does it.  If you do not take advantage of the "way of escape" God provides when you are tempted then you must suffer the consequences of the fall!  Thank God, even then He rescues us from our foolishness and provides a way back.  But how much better it is not to fall off the cliff in the first place!

Because of the Grace of God we often take temptation too lightly!  Yes He will forgive you and restore you if you turn back to Him, but the healing process may be slow and painful!  When temptation comes today take the "Way of Escape" and thank the Lord for it!

"Lord Jesus, help me today to stay far away from the edge of sin.  Show me how to escape every  temptation that comes my way, that You may be glorified!  Praise Your Name forever. Amen."