Yesterday my wife and I took some friends to the top of a small mountain that overlooks our little city. The oak leaves are freshly fallen on the rocks and are quite slippery. Wanting to make sure our guests would make it safely to the top and back to the car without slipping and falling we equipped each one with a walking stick or ski pole so they could plant the point and have the advantage of a third point of contact with the mountain. As we neared the bottom of the mountain and were almost at the cars guess who slipped and fell. If you guessed me you are absolutely correct. Stepping not on an oak leaf but just plain mud I was down in an instant. The last twenty-four hours have seen me babying my left hand that got crunched under me. Ouch physicallyand ouch psychologically. I was the one telling the others how to stay safe.
I am going to guess that most of you now know my Bible text for today. “Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” I Corinthians 10:12. The truth is we are all vulnerable in almost every aspect of life. I have seen an English teacher misspell a word. Much to my delight I might add. I was with a very pious man when he hit himself with a hammer. Oh dear. I will NOT repeat what he said. One of my flight instructors was killed in a horrible crash. He really was an excellent pilot. Making mistakes is just part of being human.
Paul wrote, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Everyone needs a Savior. Only Jesus was perfect.
Written by Roger Bothwell on November 22, 2010
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org