So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!

1 Corinthians 10:12

My dog and I had just begun our walk when I observed my neighbor high on a ladder. He was trimming one of the large trees in his yard, as he often did. His landscaping was one of the best manicured in the neighborhood. I’m not sure what prompted me to speak that day--maybe his height on the ladder or his far reach of the chainsaw.

After exchanging greetings, I added, “Be careful up there!” He smiled and said something to the effect that he knew what he was doing and had been doing it for years.

My dog and I rounded the curve when I heard a crash. Turning around, I saw my neighbor on the ground, ladder alongside, grimacing in pain. I offered to help, but he assured me was fine. I don’t know what was hurt worse--his body or his pride.

I was reminded of Paul’s warning to the Corinthian church, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 

Paul wasn’t talking about falling from a ladder. He was warning of a spiritual fall, due to following the path of temptation.

That warning was for me. How often do I think, “I’ve got this! I know what I’m doing.”? As in my neighbor’s case, the things I have done for years sometimes trip me up. I get comfortable because I am familiar with the process. I become more confident in my abilities and less reliant on God's guidance. That’s when the ground gets shaky and my feet begin to slide.

God’s goodness allows me to wobble or fall with a thud. Otherwise, I might be harmed or work with little eternal fruit. He reaches out to stable me or pick me up. It is as if He is saying, “Are you ready to try this my way?”

Jesus, you are merciful to warn me to remain close to you and to allow me to fall when I don’t.

Terri