“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1 Corinthians 10:12 (NKJV)

Confidence can be a gift from God—but confidence without humility can be dangerous. Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12 reminds us that even the strongest believers are not immune to temptation or failure.

The moment we believe we are “untouchable” is often the moment our guard begins to drop.

In the verses before this one, Paul recounts how the Israelites—despite witnessing God’s miraculous works—still fell into sin.

Their downfall wasn’t due to a lack of spiritual experiences; it was due to a lack of vigilance. Spiritual pride blinds us to our weaknesses, and pride is the perfect breeding ground for a fall.

Taking heed means being alert, watchful, and aware of the subtle ways sin can creep in. It’s not living in fear, but living in dependence. The Christian life is not about standing in our own strength, but about standing in His.

• Am I relying on my spiritual history rather than a present, daily walk with God?

• Are there areas in my life where I’ve grown complacent, assuming I’m “safe”?

• Have I mistaken self-confidence for God-confidence?

There’s a pedestal that some believers have placed themselves on and some, people put them on that pedestal, but either ways, let’s not live like the religious leaders in the New Testament who thought they’ve known it all about God and considered themselves holier than most.

Be watchful at all times. What you have you’ve obtained only by God’s grace. The moment you forget this, pride sets in and the Scriptures says destruction follows pride.

Prayer:

Lord, keep me humble and watchful. I don’t want to stand in my own strength, because I know it will fail me. Teach me to depend on You daily, to guard my heart, and to be quick to listen when Your Spirit convicts me. May my confidence rest only in You in Jesus’ name. Amen.