Walking on the Fence

For a couple of years when I was growing up we lived in a rented farmhouse next to a dairy farm. The cows grazed in the fields and then when it was time to be milked they came through a walled in area.  Often we would listen to the cows and my brothers and I would try and find ways to pet them.  


One late afternoon my younger brother Mikey decided to get a closer look and we watched as he climbed up the wall and began walking on it.  "This is cool you should come and see them" he shouted to us. After a few minutes of jealousy at his bravery I looked away and when I glanced back at the wall, Mikey was gone!  "Where did Mikey go?", I asked my brother.  

I had a sinking feeling that he was in a stinky situation.  

We got a ladder, climbed up and there he was, covered in cow manure and reaching his hand up to us.  There was no way that we were going in so we called our mom and giggled as she hosed him down outside and stripped him naked. 

Scripture warns us to be careful where we walk and live. 

Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise,  Ephesians 5:15

I can fool myself in thinking 

• that a habit isn't out of control 
• that I can handle situations 
• language and content in movies won't effect me
• drinking isn't dangerous
• relationships don't influence me

When in fact, I am in danger of falling.

Where are you walking?  Is it a safe place to be, or are you in danger of falling?

It also tells us that if we see someone who is in a stinky situation then we must help them

Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Galatians 6:1

Is there someone who needs your help because they have fallen?

Father, show me the places that I should avoid and help me to see where I have been fooling myself.  Give me your eyes to see who needs help and the strength to come along side of them.