Living in the Center or on the Edge

Living in the Center or on the Edge? (Part 2)

Romans 13:14

We thought yesterday about being "wise in what is good," and "simple concerning evil." (Romans 16:19) I'd like to pick up on the theme again this morning. Men like us who want to pursue freedom from bondage need to understand the importance of choices. Paul admonishes us to choose good and shun evil.

Those choices demand vigilance. They demand that we love freedom more than we love the things that push us closer to the edge of evil. I remember the story of a princess who lived in a castle high on a hill. The road to the village in the valley was filled with curves and had numerous places where the edge of the road put you on the precipice of very steep declines. She needed a driver for her carriage and gave each of them the same test. She asked each of them to drive her carriage down the dangerous road to the village.

Some wanted to show their skill by going as fast as they could while getting as close to the edge as they could. One took a different approach. He stayed close to the middle of the road and kept his speed under control. The princess asked him why he drove so differently than the other candidates. His response was clearly thought out. "Since you are the princess, you are a very important passenger. It's my job to keep you safe. I can't afford to take unnecessary risks." He got the job.

Each of us is valuable enough to God that He allowed His Son to die on the cross for us. Even more, the third Person of the Trinity lives within us. That indwelling Presence is more valuable in our lives than any of us can imagine. When we live on the edge of evil, we quench His power in our lives. Even the hint of evil, wherever it comes from pushes us to that dangerous precipice. We can't afford that risk.

That's why the Apostle tells us to ". . . put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts." (Romans 13:14) Regular inspections of our lives and a growing sensitivity to sin keep us in the center of the road where it's safe. Avoiding those inspections and tolerating sin, no matter how small it may seem, pushes us way too close to the edge. Each of us needs to answer one simple question. Are we walking safely by pursuing what is good, or are we living dangerously by being far too acquainted with evil?

It's a question worth thinking about. Have a great Lord's Day and a week of being "wise in what is good." - Pastor John Strain is Senior Pastor of First Baptist of Toms River

God's Word for Today: 1 Samuel 4-6; Luke 9:1-17

Think about this: The Church is a society of sinners who have finally admitted it! - Dr. Adrian Rogers