BEING BLINDSIDED

I Was Just Thinking About – BEING BLINDSIDED.

Life can be very challenging and difficult in the normal ebb and flow of living. We become comfortable in our lifestyle and unsuspecting of any lurking danger. We know we live in a troubled and un certain world but have become lulled into believing it is “over there (wherever and whatever “there” is or means)” and “not here.”

Some thoughts have been present in my mind lately: (1) “The one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall (First Corinthians 10:13-14); (2) “Even youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall…” (Isaiah 40:30-31); (3)

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand (and not fall) against the devil’s schemes” Ephesians 6:10-17; (4) “The god of this age has blinded the minds (eyes) of unbelievers (and some believers) so they cannot see…Christ, who is the image of God” (Second Corinthians 4:3-4); (5) “…So that Satan should not outwit us. We are not unaware of his schemes” (Second Corinthians 2:10-11.

We must also be careful with and mindful of the words of Jesus Christ who instructed His disciples: “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned, forgive and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). There is a saying that should also be kept in mind: “But for the grace of God go I.” God wants His followers to walk and live in His victory. Paul wrote about this, Galatians 5:1 (NIV), “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery (bondage).”

I have been concerned for one who was a very gifted servant of the Lord and who had served Him effectively. UNTIL - about four years ago the wheels of his wagon began to wobble. While some noticed it, no one intervened to assistance to repair the wobbling wheels. It was inevitable that they would come off and the wagon would crash. It would entail his ministry ended; his ministerial credentials removed (he was defrocked); and his marriage ended in divorce. I have no idea what efforts were made (or not made) to reclaim this dear servant. He wound up in a nearby community and began to teach in the public school system. He reacted negatively toward his denomination and withdrew from it. He did attend a Church for a while. And then – last week – my wife and I were watching the local (Tuscaloosa and Birmingham) evening news when suddenly a picture was projected – and – I exclaimed (presumptively): “That’s my friend!” Why was his picture posted on various channels and a highlight of the evening news? He had been arrested and 7 felony charges were filed against him for possession of child pornography and distribution of it to minors. After posting Bond and being released, the next day he was arrested again and 3 additional felony charges had been filed, one of which was the facilitation of prostitution.

Words of an old Hymn also came to mind. Hopefully – they will come to the mind and practice of the erring one - -

Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night,
Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy freedom, gladness, and light,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

Out of my shameful failure and loss,

Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

Out of unrest and arrogant pride,

Jesus, I come! Jesus, I come!
Into Thy blessed will to abide,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

Out of the depths of ruin untold,

Into the flock Thy love doth enfold,
Ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee!

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.