Climbing Up the Slide
More often than not, they lose their foothold, and end up sliding back down to the bottom again. Undaunted, they attempt to climb back up again. It would be so much easier to just go around to the back of the slide and use the steps to reach the top, but that does not suit their goal. They desire the challenge of reaching the top the difficult way.
Sometimes they reach the top by climbing up the slide, and rejoice in their accomplishment. They've reach their goal! Then what do they do? They slide down to the bottom.
In our Christian walk toward maturity, sometimes we reach the top of God's Big Slide, and rejoice. Unfortunately, God's Big Slide doesn't have a ladder to reach the top the easy way. Sometimes, like children on the playground, we don't reach the top of the slide before losing our footing and sliding back down to the bottom again. We may only get part of the way up before sliding back down; we may not slide all the way to the bottom, but we lose the ground we have gained by giving into temptation. Since we can't reach the top (our spiritual maturity) by an easier route our only option is to start climbing back up.
Some Christian climbers, however, simply choose to give up. They don't have the persistence of the mere child on the playground. "Well, I've messed up, so I might as well give up," is the attitude that too many struggling Christians allow Satan to place into their heads.
But it's not God's will for us to give up. Each time we fall and head back to the top, our resolve strengthens and Satan's influence over us weakens. When we resist those temptations that cause us to slide we grow in Christian strength and maturity. Our desire to overcome our struggle displays our desire to grow closer to God, and sets an example for those around us who are also on a slippery path. Our own weaknesses can be used by God to bring others into His fold.
Don't despair when your weaknesses allow you to slide back down into sin. Ask God to give you a hand on your climb back towards spiritual maturity. God doesn't care how many times you slide back down, He just wants you to keep trying to climb back up!
Published by Jill Davidson
Ms. Davidson is self-employed as a secondhand merchant, crafter, and free-lance writer. View profile
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20 Comments
Post a CommentI agree with your 10/1 response to a previous comment and I commend you for standing by your beliefs. We do not have to accept and agree with everyone.
This is a beautiful analogy. I bet you can tell a child's personality by those who do this. It shows a persistent personality for a future adult.
Beautiful article and so true!
I always enjoy reading your work. Thanks for the comment on my article. It reminded me that I had failed to check on one of my favorite AC writers in awhile. This article is timely, well written and so true.
You had me right at the title - love your work!
Sherry: You have a good point about the potential injuries, but it's something all kids do! I happened to be at the local park last Sunday for a baby shower, and one of the mothers there was yelling at her kids for doing that very thing, climbing up the slide. I was so tempted to tell her to let the kids have their fun!
Tammy: Tolerance does not equal acceptance. To tolerate something simply means to put up with it...I do not view homosexuality as an acceptable alternative lifestyle. I do not agree with the propaganda that our children receive in school and in the media teaching them that it is. I do know people who are homosexual, and even consider some of them my friends. But that does not mean I have to accept their lifestyle; it simply isn't an issue between us and it is not my place to judge them. And I am allowed to have and voice my own opinions, just as non-Christians are. I may have been a bit flippant with my remark but I stand by it.
This is very nicely done. (Although I must confess: We don't climb up the side at our house. It's a no-no since kids can get hurt if someone tries to slide down while they're on their way up! But the analogy isn't lost on me. ;) )
What a beautiful article! Thank you for commenting on my work and bringing me to read this. I've favorited you!
Great article! I agree, keep on climbing and you'll get all the Help you need.