Pitfall

Psalm 119:85 - "The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law." (NIV)

Psalm 119:85 - "These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me." (NLT)

When I was a teenager one of the hottest video games was a game called Pitfall. The object of the game was to swing from vines across a jungle as you find your way to a buried treasure. While swinging through the jungle, you would encounter various pitfalls. It was impearative that you avoid the pitfall if you wanted to win the game.

David's verse deals with a much bigger pitfall than that of a video game. It's the pitfalls of daily life.

Bryan Wilkerson is the Senior Pastor of Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. He was our guest speaker at Wooddale Church yesterday. It was a blessing to have him in our pulpit. He brought a passionate message about being people who seek to understand God's will for our life, and live it.

In his message, he told a story about his son. His son was a high school student and many of his peers wanted him to swear. Wilkerson's son was a Christian who was committed to living his life in a way that brought glory to God. So, he wouldn't swear. He told his Dad that his friends wanted him to swear. Bryan responded by telling his son, "No, they don't want you to swear. They want you to stand strong. They want you to continue to resist. And, they wonder where you get the courage to stay so strong."

Today's verse reminded me of Wilkerson's illustration. Those who hate God desire to see God's people live hypocritically. It gives them more ammunition for the rejection of Christ. Let's not fall into the trap. Let's be people who live like Bryan Wilkerson's teenage son. Let's be people who commit to living our lives in a way to bring glory and honor to Christ, no matter how many pitfalls there are in our life.

Dear God,

You've given us all the strength we need to live for You. Help us to utilize Your strength. Help us to honor you. Show us where the pitfalls in our life are.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.