I Slipped
"Therefore, my brothers,
you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown,
that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!"
Philippians 4:1
I slipped. It doesn't happen very often but I lost my footing. Yes, of course it was in church and with a few hundred folks watching. I think they enjoyed it! I can hear the dinner conversation, "I thought he was going to land in elder Thune's lap!" and "I wonder if our workman's comp is paid up?" More memorable than a missionary illustration was the pastor's slip!
The world waits for Christians to slip. We rarely disappoint, given enough time. Recently a fellow-pastor in my city slipped by publicly endorsing a candidate for election. I'm not calling it "sin" but a slip. Even he would do things differently today. The newspaper had more fun with it than the IRS. It's sad but the world smiles at our slip and uses it to discredit the beautiful gospel of Jesus.
Please don't forget that people are watching you. They may be cynical about Christianity or they may be genuinely searching for truth. If you have made it known that your allegiance is with Jesus, they are watching you. They are wondering if your faith is genuine. If you slip, they may use it to discredit you and your good news. It could be difficult to regain your footing. Please be careful.