TAKE HEED UNTO THYSELF
"Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" - I Corinthians 10:12 (KJV)
Constant self examination is an exercise that is very much recommended in the Christian faith (see l Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5). Sometimes, we let God examine us (Psalm 26:2), or we submit to the examination of others (l Corinthians 9:3). Apostle Paul at a time in his life had to submit himself and his ministry to the examination of James, Peter and John, those that had been in the ministry before him, to ensure that he did not run in vain (Galatians 2:2,9). The advantage of self examination is that we thus judge ourselves; and are therefore, saved from being subsequently judged (l Corinthians 11:31). What a path to follow and what a life to emulate!
As children of God, and having not yet passed on to glory, we are all in a state of probation; and whilst in that state, things may change. This underscores the need for a constant examination of our stance in the faith. It's an acknowledged fact that once saved, not always saved! It all depends on how we conduct ourselves in the faith. The Word of God admonishes us to " ... gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." - 1Pet 1:13 (see also Heb 6:11). Indeed, no one can claim to be beyond a fall, no matter how well used of God you may be or acclaimed by others to be. This is why we are to "take heed" in all our Christian walk (Mk 4:24,8:15,13:5,9,23; Lk 11:25,12:15, 17:3,21:8,34; Acts 20:28;Rom 11:29; 1 Cor 3:10,8:9,10:12; Gal 5:15; Col 4:17; 1 Tim 4:16; Heb 3:12; 2 Pet 1:19).
Our standing in the faith depends on our union with God, which in turn depends on our watching unto prayer and our doggedness in obedience to God's word in spite of adverse circumstances of life. Apostle Paul had admonished Timothy thus: "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine, CONTINUE in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee" (1 Timothy 4:16).
The remedies that will antidote a fall are watchfulness, abiding in or dependence on God and continuity in the faith as had been handed over unto us. He that ceases to do these things will undoubtedly fall into sin. Such a man gets a darkened understanding of spiritual matters and eventually develops a hardened heart: with the danger that he might continue in this state till God comes to take away his soul. May this never be our case, in Jesus name. Constant self examination is therefore a 'sine qua non' to a healthy Christian life!
I wish you a very Merry Christmas in advance!
PRAYER:
Dearest Heavenly Father, may you remind me always that as far as l am here on earth, l am in a state of probation; that l need to take heed unto myself, lest l fall; in Jesus name.