PITFALLS
INTRODUCTION: The Danger of Spiritual Fog
In 2013, a 96-car accident on the I-77 was caused by dense fog. Drivers moved forward blindly into danger. Spiritually, many people do the same—walking without foresight.
Our Objective: To stay alert to the pitfalls that lead us away from God.
KEY VERSE & THE TWO PATHS
The Bible clearly contrasts two ways of living:
Proverbs 27:12 (NIV) "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."
Habits Shape Our Direction
The path we take is determined by our daily habits:
Good Habits (Wisdom)
- Prayer
- Bible reading
- Kindness
- Gratitude
Bad Habits (Simplicity/Folly)
- Procrastination
- Neglect
- Laziness
- Pride
Proverbs 4:26-27: "Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil."
THE CONTRAST
|
The Wise Person (Prudent) |
The Simple Person |
|---|---|
|
Thinks ahead, listens, and seeks God's direction. |
Lives carelessly and ignores warnings. |
|
Traits: Foresight, caution, willingness to learn, and refuge in God. |
Traits: Naive, stubborn, and unprepared. |
Proverbs 14:8: "The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways."
1 Peter 5:8: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
CORE PRINCIPLE: Foresight = Wisdom
Wisdom means preparing before trouble comes. It requires us to be proactive, not reactive.
- The wise man in Matthew 7:24-25 built his house on the rock (preparation before the storm).
We must guard the control center of our lives:
Proverbs 4:23: "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
CALL TO ACTION: Adopting Vigilance
To avoid falling into spiritual pitfalls, we must adopt a position of constant vigilance:
- Be alert
- Stay in prayer
- Plan with purpose
- Seek counsel
- Listen to the Spirit
- Stay attentive
Ephesians 5:15-16: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
CONCLUSION
Life will have "foggy" moments; don't drive blindly. Seek God's wisdom before moving forward.
Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Final Thought
Being wise isn't about knowing everything. It's about recognizing danger and taking refuge in the Lord before the storm arrives.
