I’ve been with some heroes of my faith lately, was with some of them last week, some guys who faithfully led churches all their lives. Thousands, millions of people maybe, will be eternally affected by how God used them, by the things they did.
And the things they didn’t do.
It seems like whenever I’m in gatherings of pastors, one of the sad discussions seems to always be about a fallen brother or sister. Sometimes it almost seems like the guarantee to living a fulfilling and successful life in the Lord is just as much about the things you DON’T do as it is the things you DO. I really believe if anyone will just stay faithful to God, he will bless whatever ministry they embark on. Sure, giftedness is important, and attitude, and a good team, and vision, and all of that.
But you can have all of that and blow it just once and all of it can come crashing down.
Don’t take my advice – listen to the “wisest man in the world” (He’s better than the Dos Equis Man). Solomon was his name…
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, listen well to my words of insight, that you may maintain discretion and your lips may preserve knowledge. For the lips of an adulteress drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.
Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. Keep to a path far from her; do not go near the door of her house, lest you give your best strength to others and your years to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich another man’s house.
At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent. You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction! I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors. I have come to the brink of utter ruin in the midst of the whole assembly.”
For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. (Proverbs 5:1-14, 21-23)
I’ve been dealing with a lot of marriage issues lately. It’s so hard. It’s so bad. Can I just say something to you if you are thinking about bailing? TALK TO SOMEONE WHO DID IT! I know it sounds like it’s possibly the only way to survive, and maybe it is. But do not underestimate the life-long implications of the decision you are getting ready to make – on you, your kids, your friends, your church. Please get some counseling and don’t give up if it’s up to you.
And if you are in one of these relationships that Solomon is talking about here – run like hell! I don’t mean that lightly. I mean run like hell is chasing you. Because it is. Go back and re-read Solomon’s words again. “At the end of your life you will groan…the brink of utter ruin.” That’s the path you are on. If you are thinking about being unfaithful, if it’s porn, if it’s flirtation – RUN LIKE HELL.
Get someone around you who can help you.
“Her steps lead straight to the grave.”
