Guard these three areas of vulnerability

Here are three areas where we’re particularly vulnerable:

1) Discouragement. In a moment of discouragement, Peter did what he swore he would never do: deny Jesus. Discouragement makes you say things you don’t mean and do things that are out of character. That’s why Jude writes, ‘But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God,’ (Jude 1:20-21 NASB).

2) Excitement. Herod became excited by a dancing girl, threw caution to the wind, and made an offer he lived to regret: ‘Whatever you ask me, I will give you’ (Mark 6:23 NKJV). She asked for John the Baptist’s head, and since he was a king, Herod couldn’t renege on [go back on] his promise. That single moment of indulgence cost him his kingdom and his life. Be careful where you turn for excitement and how you react when you find it. ‘When desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. Do not be deceived’ (James 1:15-16 NKJV).

3) Weariness. In Old Testament times, a birthright meant the oldest son inherited twice as much of his father’s estate. Normally, Esau wouldn’t have considered selling his birthright, but he did so in a state of exhaustion (see Genesis 25:29-34). Weariness can cause you to lose perspective and make decisions based on what feels right in the moment rather than what’s right for you long term. The Bible says: ‘All these things happened to them as examples…Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall’ (1 Corinthians 10:11-12 NKJV).

So, guard these three areas of vulnerability.