“and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” - Hebrews 12:13
As we struggle with temptation the Bible gives us guidance to help us avoid the patterns that set us up for failure. This is one of the big ones, and it’s repeated in different ways all through the Bible.
We are weak when it comes to resisting temptation, because our own flesh enjoys sin and betrays us every chance it gets. It’s like trying to walk straight when you have a “trick knee” or a sprained ankle. The Bible says, “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.”(James 1:14) If we really want to stay clean and not fall into sin we have to learn to avoid those opportunities for temptation, those slippery pathways where our lame feet and wobbly knees won’t be able to hold us up. “Make straight paths for your feet,” He says. Don’t walk in the old, slippery, crooked pathways that you know will put you into temptation. On the other hand, walking in the good, straight ways that avoid putting us into temptation brings us healing and strength, “so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.” When we do fall, we are assured that “if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9) Confess it, receive the forgiveness that Jesus has already paid for, get up and keep walking, being more careful where you step. Lord, You know how often I fall in my struggle against temptation. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that washes away my sin. Thank You for this word that reminds me that there is healing for me as I follow You in new ways. Keep me close, Lord Jesus. Amen. Pastor Dan Giles