Living On The Edge
There was once a guy who owned a small trucking firm, and was looking to employ a new driver. Three drivers sat nervously outside his office as they were called in for their interview one by one. When the first guy came out, the other two checked with him, “What did he ask you?”. The man replied, “He only asked one question. How close could I safely drive one of his trucks near the edge of a cliff.” “What did you say?” “I said I could get one of his trucks to within 3 meters of the edge, but I don’t think my answer was good enough." The second man went in, and was asked the same question. He answered “I could get one of your trucks within one meter of the edge.” But apparently that wasn’t good enough either. Finally, the last driver went in. The boss looked at him and asked the question. The man replied, “If I were driving one of your trucks, I wouldn’t go anywhere near the edge of a cliff!” He got the job.
Isn't this some of us? We, as followers of Jesus Christ, continue to “drive so close to the edge." We are so confident in our ability to stop something before it gets out of hand. We continue to put ourselves in dangerous situations knowing that the possible outcomes can affect us for years to come.
Proverbs 6:27-28 says. Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?
- “I can have one more drink. I know my limit."
- "I'm ok to drive."
- "I can be alone with my girlfriend on a couch with the lights dim and nobody’s home and not do anything."
- "I can afford to buy all these lotto tickets because when I win….”
- "It's only 2:00AM! We can stay out longer." (after 2AM decisions are usually not good ones)
None of the above is necessarily sin. but should we putting ourselves in these scenarios that can lead to it?
Paul says in Romans 7:21, I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.
Sin has a way of sneaking up on us and controlling our thoughts. We are in a constant battle every day of our lives. Our surroundings (for the most part) will influence the easier decision. God will always influence you to make the correct decision, which is often the harder one.
James 1:14-15 “but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”
Sounds dangerous. It is. Ask anyone who has been in any trouble at all and where it all started. Most will tell you a story of them “dipping their toe” into something they shouldn’t have and things escalated from there.
James 4:7 says,”So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” I know it sounds dramatic but it’s so true. RESIST-FLEE, RESIST-FLEE, RESIST-FLEE.
How do you resist? There's help. First and foremost, go to the One who, in the end, wins. Go to God who promises to love us, to guide us and give us victory. Then surround yourself with His army, like-minded people who are pursuing Christ daily, who will protect you from bad decisions and do anything they can to help you. Where do you find these people? Well, there's a bunch of places, some unexpected. The more predictable places are at church on Sundays or at a Growth Group during the week. This is where I found my "army." Check out our variety of Growth Groups we are offering starting in October here.
Are you driving near the edge today? Are you dipping your toe where it doesn't belong? Are you all alone or do you have an army at your disposable?