When I was in college I got into caving or spelunking.  I would often explore different caves in and around the lookout mountain area.  One particular cave I often explored was called Randy’s cave.  It was a very large cave with a very small entrance.  It went in all different directions and I found at least 4 “exits” to the cave at different places.  There were a few places in the cave where you had to be very careful.  None of them were overly difficult but were dangerous if you fell because you were going to fall quite a distance.  I was always very careful in those places especially when leading others.  At the very beginning was a plank that you had to maneuver across to get to the rest of the cave.  It was just a 4X4 places across a deep ravine.  It led to the beauty and fun of the rest of the cave.  We often do things that require being careful because the reward on the other side is great.  Let’s look at what Ephesians 5 says about this in regards to our spiritual lives.

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul warns us to be careful for a reason.  There is something good beyond the danger.  If we live carefully we can make the most of every opportunity that God gives us to share His love with others.  If we are not careful and live just like everyone else our testimony about God’s love and work in our lives doesn’t ring true.  When we live the way Jesus shows us and calls us to we get more opportunities and we can make the most of them.  The reward on the other side is great.  Be careful and use every opportunity to share God’s unbelievable love with the world.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave