It's crazy to me to think about how quickly we can fall away from God... right when we think that we're standing solid and steadfast the enemy creeps up and catches us off guard and we find ourselves in places we never dreamed we'd ever find ourselves in. Just today I was reading in 1 Corinthians these verses...
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall! -10:12
And I thought... naw, when I stand firm I won't fall. And then later on today I heard a heartbreaking story about a friend that was standing firm and a struggle with sin that overwhelmed and caused a crashing fall. Life will never be the same. And it's so sad. My heart breaks for my friend and I hurt and wish we could press a rewind button. Yet, at the same time my friend's story sobers me. I travel around leading worship for teenagers, I'm actively involved in church ministry and lead several organizations on campus and I am not safe. I must be on the guard, ever aware that at any moment, I too am liable to slip up and fall flat on my face.
The big question in my mind: Is there anything I can do to prevent a fall before it happens? How can I stay standing firm? I think I found part of the answer in 2 Peter chapter 1...
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. -3-11
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