FALLING DOWN, GETTING UP

The path of the upright leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.
Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be happy.
 
Proverbs 16:17-20
 
How many really great athletes have you seen fall down? If you have watched the 2006 Winter Olympics coverage the past few days you have seen plenty. Figure skaters, snowboarders, speed skaters, and skiers have all taken tumbles. Have you ever seen a professional quarterback trip over his own feet as he takes the snap and steps back to pass or the major league baseball player clumsily stumble out of the batters box after laying down the perfect bunt? We have all probably witnessed this phenomenon is some fashion. The very best in their sport take a fall.
 
Is it because of pride or haughtiness that they fall? Maybe so ... maybe not.
 
One thing we can learn from these great athletes is that they get up, dust themselves off and get back in the game.
 
What about when we fall in our spiritual walk? What do we do when we stumble over sin? How about following the athlete’s pattern?

1. Get up … stop sinning.


2. Dust yourself off … confess your sin and ask God for forgiveness.


3. Get back in the game … don’t give up on yourself and don’t give up on God!