As Christians we have an advantage that other folks do not have. We have experienced salvation, we know that God has a purpose and plan for us, and we have the Word of God to stand on. We don't have the luxury of going backwards or staying idle for a long period of time because as I've said before, God is not interested in us functioning at half or less than half of our full potential. That means He will do whatever is necessary to get our attention and to get us back on the path He destined us to be walking. He may attempt to use the garden snips to prune or He may need to bring out the chainsaw. At worst, the rug can be pulled out from under you so fast that you land on your face.
To the particulars...
As men I wouldn't be going to far out on a limb in saying that our biggest issue is pride. Pride comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors. We don't like to lose at anything. Whether it be a game of Madden NFL 2013 or a friendly game of go fish. We feel the pressure managing the finances for the family, when our children get out of line, and of course in our careers. Those are obvious outward materials that affect our pride. The not so obvious pride creeper, is the wall that erects in our spiritual life. That wall makes us Bible scholars, teachers, arrogant know it alls, unteachable, not willing to take the advice of others, and gradually and eventually weans us away from our Source. This has to be the thing that hardens most hearts of men and the dangerous snare that leads to most downfalls.
Thank God that if your heart is pliable the wall can come down and the rebuilding process can begin. The greatest example of this in the Bible would have to be Peter. The man was so sure that He wouldn't deny Christ. "How could you dare to say such a thing Lord? You know me. I'm the rock." I'm paraphrasing but you get the point. We know that Peter did in fact deny Jesus. Now, think about that. Denying Jesus after being the greatest Apostle has to be one of the worst implosions and trainwrecks of all time, at least in Peter's mind. The Lord knew how to get Peter's attention and it was needed in order to get Peter back on track and dependent on the Source.
Proverbs 16:18, "Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance to downfall." The downfall usually involves sin. We choose to sin when we attempt to meet our needs apart from God. When we choose to meet our needs apart from God something has gone terribly wrong. If we choose not to acknowledge our sin and take action, it will be done for us. Again, thank God. Faith in Christ brings many new things- a relationship with God, a new spirit, a new outlook on life, but it does not eradicate all traces of our old nature. That is done through intentional devotion, renewing the mind via the Word, and valley experiences.
When we repent of our bad experiences, God uses them to make us stronger, as the case with Peter. He doesn't excuse them or remove the consequences, but He is bigger than our failures. We create some messes, make some mistakes, and commit some sins simply because of our own weaknesses, flaws, or rebellion. Yet God allows us to fall into some because He knows that when we come back, we will be stronger, our perspective will be deeper, and our commitment will be truer. It teaches us something about ourselves and about God. We may fail but we are not failures. Seek God in and through the mess. We all fall short but God is greater still. He will restore and He still has a plan. God is good, His faitful love endures forever.
Transformed
"But let He who boasts boast of this; that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness in the earth: for in these things I delight says the LORD."
-Jeremiah 9:24
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