Why Do We Fall?
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
Control. If you’re like me, you like to feel as though you have things under control. We want our house in order, our checking accounts balanced, our kids behaving and succeeding, and our weight and blood pressure at healthy levels.
We might say that this longing for control stems from a desire to be seen as responsible, respectable, and mature. A noble pursuit no doubt.
At times, though, this longing can cross the line into pride. And when pride enters the room, it likes to blind us to the reality that life is messy; that there are certain problems we do not have the answers to; that we can not fix every problem; that there are simply some things that are beyond our ability to control.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)
When we fall, we typically fall hard. When all the spinning plates that we are trying so desperately to juggle come crashing down, the result is embarrassment, distress, sorrow, and/or anger. All of these leading us to say or do things that we end up regretting and being ashamed of.
The problem is that while it is good for us to work hard and do our very best with life’s many chores (cf. Ecclesiastes 9:10), we simply cannot do it alone. Especially when it comes to the most important things: Being a good spouse, raising our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, cultivating healthy spiritual habits, teaching others about Jesus, and living lives that are glorifying to our Almighty Creator.
WE NEED GOD.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)
We may not be strong enough on our own, but He is!
“My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:26)
We may not have all the answers, but He does!
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
Jesus explained to His disciples in John 15:5 that without Him they could do nothing. Oh, we might get our finances in order and get into peak physical shape. We might have the nicest landscaping and dress in designer labels. We might convince the world that we have it all together; that we have it all under control. But, without Him? Without Him it is nothing.
“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” (Luke 9:25)
It seems that so often it is only when we fall that we begin to see clearly just how desperately we need Him.
“Why do we fall, sir? So we can learn to pick ourselves up.” - Alfred Pennyworth (Batman Begins)
Today, if you have been trying to fix all the things by yourself... Take a deep breath, say a prayer, and let God.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7) If you have been trying to use your own wit and ability to get all the pieces into their proper place only to see them become all the more jumbled... Take a deep breath, say a prayer, and let God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) If in trying to balance your many responsibilities you have tripped and fallen... Take a deep breath, say a prayer, and take His hand. He will lift you up. “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me.” (Micah 7:8) Today is the first day of the rest of your life. It is a good day to reset your perspective. It is a good day to remind yourself that you are not in this alone. It is a good day to recognize that with God you can; and you will. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Devin Roush
