Downfall

<<ruin, collapse>>

What we allow, tolerate in defiance, fail to address, or do contrary to God’s command will result in our downfall. Don’t seek relief from the pressures of life by indulging the flesh in a questionable activity as it can easily become an addiction from which it is hard to

Satan wants our downfall

escape. Don’t play with sin, for when it gets a foothold in a person’s life it soon becomes a powerful stronghold – like playing with fire, it will burn (Prov 6:27,28). The Bible’s advice is, “Guard your heart more than any treasure, for it is the source of all life” and do not give the devil any opportunity to gain an advantage in your life (Prov 4:23; Eph 4:27).

Pride comes before a fall (2 Chr 26:16; Prov 16:18, 18:12, 29:23). The prime example is that of Satan who said to himself, “I will…” (Isa 14:12-14). God severely judged his vanity, he was removed from his heavenly role and, although he is permitted limited ability to harass humanity, the time is coming when he will be doomed forever to the lake of fire. King Nebuchadnezzar was stripped of all power and humiliated soon after he spoke words of personal vanity and egotism. Later he humbly acknowledged God’s awesome power and authority stating, “Everything He does is right and all His ways are just. And those who walk in pride He is able to humble” (Dan 4:29-37).

Be on your guard if you think you are immune from falling (1 Cor 10:12). Persisting in sinful practices when you know they are wrong will bring about your downfall and adversely affect those connected to you (2 Chr 28:23; Ezek 18:30; Hos 14:1). The Bible is clear, “To love the Lord is to hate evil; He hates pride, arrogance, evil behaviour and perverse speech” (Ps 97:10; Prov 8:13). We are strongly urged to increase in Godly virtues, making our calling and election sure, for then we will never fall (2 Pet 1:5-10, 3:17,18).

With any spiritual collapse, there is normally an eroding of the foundations over a period before it becomes obvious and then harmful to the cause of Christ. Don’t be hoodwinked by the enemy’s deception or compromise as he wants to sabotage what you are becoming in Christ – the consequences of making wrong choices can be quick and final

Any path that is not taking you closer to God is leading away

(Act 5:1-11). Bad habits, continuing in destructive distractions, not listening to wise counsel or conscience, stubbornness and rebellion which is disobedience to the clear instructions of the Bible, are some of the precursors leading to a downfall. “Search me, O God…see if there is any wicked way in me” (Ps 139:23,24). When the Lord convicts or challenges you about an area, repent and turn back to Him, have a tender conscience with all your desires and ‘drives’ coming into submission to the Holy Spirit as you walk in the light (1 Jn 1:7).

Spend quality time daily with the Lord, fellowship with other believers who encourage you in your walk and will speak into your life if they are concerned about any issues. The Bible likens hearing and doing what God says to establishing (and maintaining) a solid foundation in our lives. Without this our ‘house’ will fall with a great crash when subject to the storms of life (Mt 7:24-27).

Everybody will face major downfall possibilities in his or her life. These occasions can quickly come at the least expected moments – it is too late to attend to the foundations when the storm starts. Making consistently godly decisions is essential, as failure in one area will spill over to affect our whole life, bringing untold regret, shattered ministries and loss of potential. If you have fallen, it calls for deep repentance and being accountable to and under the supervision of mature Godly believers who can help you along the lengthy road of restoration. When a leader falls a lot of others are affected too. This is one reason why we are to pray for those in places of authority and prominence.