Beware of Overconfidence​

 

Renowned golfer, Arnold Palmer once recalled a lesson about overconfidence:

​

“It was the final hole of the 1961 Masters tournament, and I had a one-stroke lead and had just hit a very satisfying tee shot. I felt I was in pretty good shape. As I approached my ball, I saw an old friend standing at the edge of the gallery. He motioned me over, stuck out his hand and said, "Congratulations." I took his hand and shook it, but as soon as I did, I knew I had lost my focus. On my next two shots, I hit the ball into a sand trap, then put it over the edge of the green. I missed a putt and lost the Masters. You don't forget a mistake like that; you just learn from it and become determined that you will never do that again. I haven't in the 30 years since.” 

​

Spiritually, we can make the same mistake. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminds Christians that Israel experienced extraordinary blessings from God (vv. 1–4), yet many still fell into sin and suffered His judgment (vv. 5–10). Therefore, Paul warns, “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (v. 12).

​

Like Palmer, we can become so confident in our position in Christ that we let down our guard. Spiritual blessings don’t make us immune to temptation. Carelessness leaves us spiritually vulnerable to falling.

​

If even those who have experienced God's blessings can fall, what hope do I have when temptation comes? The answer to spiritual overconfidence isn't trusting in our own spiritual strength, knowledge, or maturity. That's how we fall. But dependence upon a faithful God is how we stand. 

​

Paul assures us of God's faithfulness: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (v. 13). 

​

We can rejoice in knowing that victory over temptation is possible. The Greek word for “way of escape” (v. 13) was used in ancient warfare to describe a narrow mountain passage offering an escape route. Likewise, God will always provide an exit strategy to endure temptation.

​

In times of temptation, never forget God is faithful! Look for the way of escape.

​

Written by Craig Ressler