Take Heed

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. I Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)

Whenever I read this verse, the words take heed always jump out at me. I believe the writer meant it that way. The words take heed actually mean to pay attention or look intently into something. In other words, the Apostle Paul is saying for us to pay close attention. Pay close attention to what? Well, let’s look at the previous verse to find out.

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. I Corinthians 10:11 (NKJV)

The Lord is speaking of the nation of Israel and how they sinned against God in the wilderness. We are being told to pay close attention to the traps and snares of the enemy that took them down and kept them from entering Canaan. It can be very easy to look at someone else who has fallen into sin or made a serious error and be judgmental. Often our pride tricks us into thinking that such a thing could not happen to us. However, we are to maintain a humble attitude and a firm reliance on God rather than our own strength. We must continually be on our guard against falling into sin. Just when we think we are strong and invincible is when we are actually the weakest because we are not relying on God.

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II Corinthians 12:9-10 (NKJV)

The Apostle Paul had the right idea. When we are aware of our inherent weaknesses is when we are actually in the best position. Relying on God instead of our own pathetic strength will always keep us safe from the trap of sin. I think The Message says it well.

These are all warning markers—danger!—in our history books, written down so that we don’t repeat their mistakes. Our positions in the story are parallel—they at the beginning, we at the end—and we are just as capable of messing it up as they were. Don’t be so naive and self-confident. You’re not exempt. You could fall flat on your face as easily as anyone else. Forget about self-confidence; it’s useless. Cultivate God-confidence. I Corinthians 10:11-12 (The Message, MSG)

So, my friends, take heed.