Into the Fire

I wonder what that means. I mean really. South like to Antarctica? South like to Arkansas? Or south like all the way to hell?

Walk the Christian walk long enough, and things go south. Tragedy, crisis, fear, mistakes, all kinds of unholy hellish ways pop up like ducks in a shooting gallery. Seem to happen when you least expect them, too.

When the world throws the curves, we get it. Okay. We expect chaos from those who don’t know Jesus. The viewpoint is skewed, tainted by whatever sinful mode an individual looks through in their darkened virtual reality.

But when a solid Christian goes way over the edge, when the about-face kicks us directly in the teeth, we tend to lose our footing. Reeling in the aftermath. Choking down the odd sensations before the gut absorbs the tautness of the blow and regurgitates our most recent meal. What the . . .? Hell.

The behavior comes directly from hell. And we stand with our mouths limp, our voices stunted, our wind knocked out of us, leaving us gasping as we try to gain oxygen.

People can lose their faith when these things happen. Some rage at God for allowing them. Some just rage. Some refuse to acknowledge that God is good in the middle of horror. And others wonder if He is who He says He is—but not out loud.

Deception slithers like a silent snake waiting for the minimal opening to suck us into his venomous fangs. Will we believe his cunning ways and succumb to his clever schemes? It’s possible. None of us are immune from the serpent’s evil. After all, our bloodlust runs in our veins. Known as sin. The flesh covets it, desires it. Will we follow that snake?

What are you doing to protect yourself? Praying structured prayers? Praying period? Doing faithful devotions? Attending church regularly? Leading a Bible study? None are guarantees to be effective. Sin finds its way wandering through our neural pathways, lighting up synapses, delivering sensations which appeal to our bodies. Oh, the mind is a powerful thing. Arguing with Truth, justifying evil, rationalizing wrong.

If you are diligently serving the Lord, if you love Him with your whole heart, watch out. Be careful. Listen to His voice. Be sure of the Truth that brought you out of the kingdom of darkness. Stay steady in His grip. Fight off the temptations. Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing.

Except return to the flesh . . . the evil and corrupted flesh. And go south.

Father, help us to stay in you. Lord, don’t let us stray. We are desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.