SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1364

“Fall Risk”

Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.”- Mark 14:29-30

Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. – 1 Corinthians 10:12

I recall the times that I have been hospitalized that I had to wear identification tags informing the staff that I was a fall risk. I reflected on this as I read our reference Scriptures – Is my faith walk with Jesus free from stumbling blocks and trip hazards?

Failure to maintain balance.  As I advance in age, I realize that I can no longer be confident and secure in my ability to maintain balance. I furniture surf and need the support of grab bars and other devices to safely navigate my way.

Spiritually speaking, am I foolishly going through life in a fallen world, boasting in my own strength without relying on the support, guidance, counsel, and power of the Holy Spirit?

Truly God is good …to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. – Psalm 73:1-3

If we try to walk with one foot in the world and the other foot on the narrow path of righteousness, we will most surely lose our balance and stumble and fall.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction; Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. – 1 Timothy 6:9; 1 John 2:15-16

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. – Ephesians 5:15-17

Failure to repent. For many of us, straddling the paths of the world and the narrow path of righteousness means that we are justifying a habit or sin issue in our life that we do not wish to let go of. A hardened heart causes us to be a fall risk.

Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. – Psalm 119:133

For me, I continued to indulge in tobacco and alcohol use – seemingly innocuous habits – not really sinful – until the Lord convicted me of the fact that these things were idols that I turned to instead of relying on Him to calm nerves, relax, etc. Now they became sin for me, and I had to choose to repent or harden my heart against the leading of the Holy Spirit.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. – 1 John 1:8-10

Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. – Proverbs 28:14

Failure to Walk in the Light. When the doctor put me through balance tests, I did not do too badly until they asked me to perform the tests with my eyes closed. Darkness greatly increased my fall risk.

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” – John 11:9-10

We cannot live as Christians without growing in the depth and knowledge of the Light of the Living Word of God. Religion is superficial. God’s Word revealed to us daily builds a relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit that gives us power for living and security in our steps.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

Failure to Follow and Failure to Lead. Our instability in following Jesus can lead others to stumble and fall also. When we proclaim to be Christian and yet still openly live a rationalized, compromised worldly lifestyle, we place stumbling blocks and snares before others who may be vulnerable to our influence and look to us as an example to follow.

“All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Sometimes, we just have to deny ourselves for the sake of others. It may be alcohol, tobacco, and other unhealthy indulgences. It could be our choice of entertainment in movies, music, or gaming. The Holy Spirit will show you – if you will obey Him.

Let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. – Romans 14:13

Our Prayer: Father, I thank you for the Truth of Your Word that lights my path to keep me from falling. I thank You, Holy Spirit for speaking Truth and guidance to my heart to let go of stumbling blocks and unrepented sin that I have rationalized and stubbornly harbored. I repent of my disobedience and seek to wholeheartedly grow in relationship with Jesus, my Lord, bearing fruit for the Kingdom of God. May I present your Light, Jesus, to others and never cause anyone to stumble.

For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God     in the light of life. – Psalm 56:13

Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen – Jude 1:24-25