Too Close to the Edge
By Don Vess
Western North Carolina is home to some very beautiful waterfalls. They are tempting to climb and approach to look over the edge. However, they are extremely dangerous. On average, six people lose their lives each year in accidents at these falls, collectively due to attempting to climb them or getting too close to the edge. Warning signs are posted prohibiting climbing and dangerous activities around the falls, but unfortunately, these signs are not always observed, often resulting in tragedy.
The same can be said for Christians who “walk too close to the
1 Corinthians 10:10–22 (NLT):
“And don’t
The Apostle Paul founded the church in Corinth, a city at the very center of idol worship. The Corinthians were polytheistic, worshiping many gods and goddesses. These deities were represented by images crafted by human hands and worshiped with animal sacrifices, which were sold in a meat market. Pagan temples were built all over the city, much like churches in the South today. Idol worship permeated every facet of life.
For believers of that time, it was nearly impossible to avoid
This presented a challenge for believers. The best meat was sold on temple grounds. After the meat was offered as a burnt sacrifice to an idol, temple workers removed it from the altar and placed it in the temple meat market for public consumption. To purchase the best meat, one had to physically enter a pagan temple. As a result, some believers fell back under the influences they had been delivered from.
Paul knew that being physically close to such spiritually dark environments posed too great a risk for believers. He urged them to stay away, warning, “So, my dear friends, flee from the worship of idols.”
The Greek word for “
These environments were detrimental to believers who had been delivered from idolatry. For example, consider someone freed from alcohol addiction. Once set free, it would be foolish for them to meet friends at a bar, as the atmosphere could lure them back into drinking. Similarly, someone who quit smoking would find it unwise to spend time with smokers, as the temptation to start again would be too strong. Common sense dictates avoiding such environments to remain free.
Paul clarified that idols themselves are inanimate objects with no
The Bible commands us to flee from
1 John 4:4 reminds us: “Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”
And 1 John 5:21 (NKJV) cautions: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
Many people have lost their lives at North Carolina waterfalls because they ignored posted warnings and entered prohibited areas. Whether slipping on wet rocks or losing their balance, the consequences were deadly.
Similarly, many believers have “shipwrecked” their faith by walking too close to the edge.
1 Timothy 1:12–20 (NLT) states:
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.”
Paul’s warnings were serious because he understood the dangers of flirting with demonic influences. Believers must be cautious about where they walk and with whom they walk to avoid falling into temptation.
Peter also reminds us in 1 Peter 1:14–16 to “Be