A Consolation with Kick

A famous promise of Scripture reads,

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you be able to endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

I was recently reading over 1 Corinthians 10, and it struck me that in context this is more than a promise. It is also a call to arms - a challenge, an exhortation. Perhaps even an "or else"!

1 Corinthians 10 warns against apostasy, disobedience, idolatry, grumbling... and more. It speaks of those described in the Old Testament who were so close, and yet so far - and urges that we not imitate their disbelief and so "put Christ to the test" (v.9).

The words immediately preceding the famous words above are, "Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall" (v.12). The words immediately following? "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry" (v.14).

1 Corinthians 10:13 is a promise worth memorizing. But as you do, make sure you don't declaw this verse - like all truly loving fathers, our heavenly Father wants to give us both a pat on the back and a kick in the pants.