It’s a vivid memory. When I close my eyes, I can still see the hospital bracelet around my wrist saying, “Fall Risk.” I am blessed to know the source of my vulnerability. After all, it’s important to know your fall risk. My balance is off as I go down the hall, so I must move slowly. I’m wearing non-slip socks and holding onto the wall for stability. An emergency surgical procedure has me feeling vulnerable as I walk—an action that I’ve always been confident in.
Know Your Fall Risk
As I read Matthew 16, the words ‘fall risk’ crossed my mind,
Later, after they crossed to the other side of the lake, the disciples discovered they had forgotten to bring any bread. “Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” At this they began to argue with each other because they hadn’t brought any bread. Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “You have so little faith! Why are you arguing with each other about having no bread? Don’t you understand even yet? Don’t you remember the 5,000 I fed with five loaves, and the baskets of leftovers you picked up? Or the 4,000 I fed with seven loaves, and the large baskets of leftovers you picked up? Why can’t you understand that I’m not talking about bread? So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’” Then at last they understood that he wasn’t speaking about the yeast in bread, but about the deceptive teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Matthew 16:5-12 NLT
The disciples focused on forgotten bread. But Jesus is not concerned about lunch; instead, He warns them about the influence of false teaching. They didn’t recognize their fall risk, but Jesus did.
Don’t Fall for Deceptive Teaching
Even people we think are spiritually mature can lead others astray, especially those of us who are still growing. Reading scripture and using Bible study tools like the Bible Hub help us stay on course. Study and work hard to show God how determined you are. Shortcuts like following links on social media, overindulging in only one news outlet, or binge-watching YouTube videos can lead us in the wrong direction. These things can feel like reliable sources, but often warp our beliefs without us realizing it. However, time immersed in the Word will help minimize your fall risk.
His words are in the gospels. Please read them. Reflect on them. Ruminate on them. And then, as they say following the announcements at my church, “Please govern yourselves accordingly.”
Govern your life according to the Words of Jesus. Not my words. Not anyone else’s. Just His.
Lock in!
“Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Lock in. Stay vigilant. Notice that He repeats Himself:
So again I say, ‘Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’
Watch out! Beware! Know your fall risk, and please govern yourselves accordingly.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ask God to reveal your fall risks. And for this week’s screensaver click here.