It is silently going on all around us.  It’s affecting river banks, shorelines, glaciers, and deserts.  I’m talking about the process of erosion.  Erosion has been defined as “the gradual destruction or reduction and weakening of something.”  The devastating effects are not manifested all at once.  Rather, erosion is the process of where something is diminished or destroyed by degrees.  

In the physical realm erosion is the result of natural forces such as wind and rain.  Possibly the greatest example of the erosive powers of nature I have ever seen is the Grand Canyon which is believed to have been formed by the waters of the Colorado River.  Whatever the cause, erosion always results in loss.

In last Sunday’s message we talked the spiritual erosion that occurred in Israel when a generation arose who did not know God or the work He had done for Israel (Judges 2:10).  In an alarming rate of speed, Israel experienced an erosion of faith that undermined the spiritual supports and plunged the nation into deep darkness.

So how can we personally avoid the dangers of this destructive process?  Here are three helpful suggestions:

1. Be Aware – Realize that no believer is immune from the dangers of spiritual erosion.  We must maintain an attitude of alertness and vigilance.  If it could happen to such biblical characters as Samson and Solomon, it can happen to anyone.  Thus the warning of Scripture, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
2. Be Proactive – As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”  The time to address the danger of erosion is before it occurs.  Put safeguards in place by following the advice of Peter who said, “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue… knowledge…self-control…perseverance…godliness…brotherly kindness…and love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7).
3. Be Connected – We cannot always see the spiritual erosion that is occurring in our own lives, but others can.  For this reason alone we need the constant accountability that comes from being connected to the Body of Christ.  It’s easier to stop erosion than to repair or rebuild the damaged life.  To prevent spiritual erosion, stay connected to the church.
   

The danger of erosion is a natural and spiritual reality.  It can be prevented if we will just pay attention to the things that matter.  As the proverb writer said, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23).




Pastor Todd Weston

I have in my library an old book titled, The Great Questions Of The Bible And Of Life.  One of the questions dealt with by the author is from Genesis 3:9.  In that chapter we read of the fall of man.  Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit.  Guilty and ashamed, they hid themselves from the presence of the Lord as He moved through the garden in the cool of the evening. That’s when God called to Adam and asked the question, “Where are you?” 

Why did God ask that question?  Not because He needed information.  God knew exactly where Adam was hiding.  As the Hebrew writer reminds us, “All things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).  So why did God ask the question?  He wanted Adam to answer for himself.

This was the first question addressed to man at the beginning of human history, “Where are you?”  You might say that it will be the last question addressed to man at the end of human history.  At the final judgment every person will stand before God to give an account.  Every person will have to answer the question, “Where are you?”  More specifically, “Where are you in relation to Jesus Christ?”

It would be wise to consider that question now.  Where are you in relation to Jesus Christ?  Are you saved?  Are you living in obedience?  Are you serving the Lord completely?  Do you love God with all your heart and others as yourself? “Where are you?”  

Take a few moments today to seriously consider the question.  It really is that important.  

 Pastor Todd Weston