Saying No to Sin: Know God, Know Yourself, Be Known by Others
Every few months, it seems, we hear of another well-known Christian—pastor, writer, musician—who either falls morally or walks away from the faith. It’s tragic, but not altogether surprising. The New Testament repeatedly warns that spiritual collapse is real and possible. Paul exhorts the Ephesian elders, “Pay careful attention to yourselves” (Acts 20:28). He urges Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching” (1 Tim. 4:16). He cautions all of us, “Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). Spiritual failure is not just a risk for the famous—it’s a real danger for us all. So how do we guard against it? Know Yourself The person I should be most suspicious of is… myself. My heart is deceptive. My eyes are easily blinded. My feet are prone to wander. I must know where I’m vulnerable—not just where I’m weak, but also where I feel strongest and most confident. This is where guardrails come in. Engineers install them on roads with sharp...
