Be On Watch

Upon arriving in the Church parking lot today , I grabbed my Bible and headed off across the parking lot . It was sunny and crisp , a beautiful morning. Not even paying attention as I walked , suspecting no hidden dangers , I proceed to plant my foot on a piece of black ice and did a split that someone my age should not do. If it hadn't been for my oldest son , who I grabbed onto , my bum would have been on the ground.

I was feeling a bit stupid and then we had a bit of a chuckle. Granted it could have been more serious . I could have sprained something or broke a leg. However no harm was done and next time I will be more aware of my footing.  

It did get me thinking about sin and the situations we as Christians can find ourselves in .If I had have been paying attention to my surroundings and had made a better choice in placing my foot as I walked ,I would have not done a figure skating move. How often do we make the same choices when it comes to life. Placing ourselves in situations that could lead us into a place we should not be. It could be form watching TV,listening to music , reading certain books , whatever medium , if we are not discerning and conscious of what we are exposing ourselves to , it can lead to a slip or fall  .It may not be gross heinous sin but perhaps it may lay the foothold to a subtle drift . Very rarely do we fall before taking steps first in that direction. 

[8] Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 

(1 Peter 5:8 ESV)

This warning in Peter is what I'm getting at. Peter talking to Christians who were under attack and persecution, reminds them to be acutely aware ,that the Devil looks for opportunities to attack. To be watchful is to be keen on looking for the enemy and the activities that could lead to temptation or a fall. Often when life is not going the way we think it should , we can be looking for escape. Even in times of great ease , it can still come but take on a different form. 

I cannot tell you what you should watch,listen to or do for all of us have our own weaknesses. Yes there are certain things that are no brainers like pornography,casinos and raze style clubs but many other things are dependent on the individual. But the general call is for all of us who call ourselves a follower of Jesus Christ,to be aware . Does this activity undermine our own growth in holiness and service to our Lord. May we all help each other and stir one another up, in love to be able to see our surroundings clearer. 

Verse Of The Day  :     [23] You who fear the LORD, praise him!

                               All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him,

                               and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

                                              (Psalm 22:23 ESV)