“Now they arrested Him and led Him away and brought Him to the house of the high priest; but Peter was following at a distance. After they kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter was sitting among them. And a slave woman, seeing him as he sat in the firelight, and staring at him, said, “This man was with Him as well.” But he denied it, saying, “I do not know Him, woman!” And a little later, another person saw him and said, “You are one of them too!” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!” And after about an hour had passed, some other man began to insist, saying, “Certainly this man also was with Him, for he, too, is a Galilean.” But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. And then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had told him, “Before a rooster crows, today, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:54-62 NASB)
Have you ever had a failing on the Christian journey? Of course you have! We all have! And it was not necessarily long ago before we gave our lives to Christ. It could have been yesterday, last night, last week, or possibly even in the last hour. Somebody say, “Oh, my!”
Now so we will not just look at those major sins where we failed to love like a Christian ought, let me ask you these questions to reveal some regular failings Christians experience. Did you ever put somebody down, talked about them just as sure as they were born, just to psychologically bring yourself up and make you feel better or holier? Did you make a commitment, but excused yourself with an excuse that “anybody in their right mind” would accept and not feel disappointed? (You’re “yay” turned into a “nay!)
Was there any instance or interaction where you treated somebody unlike you would like to be treated? For one fleeting moment or one moment of feeding your flesh, did you do something that did not align with the Fruit of the Spirit? While we could name more examples, all of us will be fooled by the deceiver into having a failing. So, let me share some ways to fight failings based on the text you just read about the Apostle Peter. I’ll be brief! I know it’s Saturday morning and you have things to do before tomorrow to avoid missing worship. Right? Read the text again and consider these suggestions to minimize failings. Are your ready? Here you go!
Suggestion #1: Know that distancing is the first phase in the progression that occurs in the process of having a failing. So don’t let distance from Jesus and His expectations for you become a factor. Don’t distance yourself from the assembly of the saints! Don’t distance yourself from your commitment to be a follower of Christ and serve Him until you die! Don’t distance yourself by not studying the word of God diligently! Have a closer walk with Him!
Suggestion #2: Denying Jesus is second in the progression that occurs in the process of experiencing a failing. And listen! When you deny your association with Jesus once, it becomes easier the second, and third time. Look at Peter! Be careful my friend! Think about all that represents denying Jesus as you meditate this Saturday morning.
Suggestion #3: Disappearing is next in the progression of having failings. Hang in there my friend! Be a visible part of Jesus’ kingdom here on earth! Be an ambassador of the Savior at all times! Don’t hold out! Don’t hide! Don’t high-tail it away from your faith stance! Be seen as the salt of the earth and the light of the world!
Suggestion #4: Once you have had a failing, clean up your mess, look up to the Master, make amends, look for mercy to come down giving you a new start!
Have a great Saturday! Enjoy service tomorrow! Be blessed!
“If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises] and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].” (I John 1:9 The Amplified Bible)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King