for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes. (Proverbs 24:16)
If you’re not reading Proverbs, you are missing out. There is some good stuff in there. I revisit it more than any book in the Bible. Two points always hit me when I read this verse. First, there is a sense that calamity defines our character. Whether we fold under its weight or we persevere through depends on our inner compass.
The second point is more compelling to me. There is an assumption that the righteous will fall. This is comforting to me. Now I know this more than likely means the external failures of life; job loss, failed test, breakup. These of course are not sinful but consequences of outside pressures. But the hopeful part in me – buried deep under existentialism and grunge music – likes to believe that it speaks of our sin as well. So if the Lord wants us to “rise again” after sinning, and we are still indeed counted as righteous, then how do we pick ourselves up?
*When in sin, lean into Christ. Our natural instinct, when faced with our failures, is to run. It took me many years to realize that my response to sin was more important than my decision to sin. We need not be afraid of an angry God when we are covered in our own mess. We need to repent, and then move on. He offers grace, so use it and learn to accept it. This will give you a greater appreciation of redemption as well as turn you from the sin that so easily hinders us.
*Revaluate how you got there. When we sin, it is because we have made allowances for it. This goes deeper than lacking in Bible reading or prayer time. It is an attitude and heart inclined toward Christ. When our eyes wander from our love, we settle for less. The grass is never greener.
*Jesus died, so you don’t have to. This side of heaven will be filled with frustration and failure. Welcome to adulthood. Christ saw you in your sin and subbed you out when the clock hit 0:00. He takes the penalty so that you may live and live abundantly. This shouldn’t be taken lightly but stoke your affections deeper toward our one true love.
Forgive us Father, sinners in nature. May we grow in understanding your grace daily. We are yours.
Matt simon blog 