Devotional -

Be Careful Lest You Fall ( 13 October )

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I want you to remember, my friends, what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the protection of the cloud, and all passed safely through the Red Sea. In the cloud and in the sea they were all baptized as followers of Moses. . . . They drank from the spiritual rock that went with them; and that rock was Christ himself. But even then God was not pleased with most of them, and so their dead bodies were scattered over the desert. . . . Now, all of this is an example for us, to warn us not to desire evil things, as they did, nor to worship idols, as some of them did. . . . If you think you are standing firm you had better be careful that you do not fall. Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 12-13

Paul reminds us that our ancestors had deep spiritual experiences together as they drank from the spiritual rock that went with them in the desert. He invites us to know the taste of victory and the joy of drinking from the spiritual rock (Christ). Surprisingly, however, he reminds us that God was not pleased with most of them, and "their bodies were scattered in the wilderness." Lest we think we are better than they were, Paul warns that this is an example for us, that we might not fall into temptation.

When I started a new life of faith in Christ, I experienced victory over sin and the dominion of the devil. I said to myself, "you have sinned a great deal in your life, but you shall do so no more." I began to think I was beyond the reach of temptation. Ignoring its dangers, I fell. For example, I acted unjustly towards my brothers in faith (especially towards those still weak in their faith). I judged them, doubting their commitment. I gave them no opportunity to justify themselves, and I did not put myself in their shoes.

Today I know that I am subject to temptation like everyone else. In fact, I have been tempted and my feet have slipped. Paul warns us to flee from idols, from everything that puts itself in God's place. The world around us worships beauty and power and wealth, focusing on a person's accomplishments rather than on the person himself. We too, as believers, can easily fall into the world's false values and begin to worship its idols.

The good news is that we are not dependent on our own ability to resist temptation. God dwells among his people and will warn us when temptation comes, through biblical wisdom and through the experience of brothers and sisters who are more mature in faith. God will also provide us with a way out of the temptation and will help us to grow in our faith.

- 13 OCTOBER -