020 Death Behind, Danger Ahead

Post-conference-glow should not be mistaken for actual spiritual growth. Difficulty brings God's people back to reality, to remind them that true spiritual growth is found in the development of Christian character, not in one's emotional state. Here Christian experiences difficulty and is relieved to find that God has prepared a place of rest for him. He however indulges his flesh and sleeps where he should have just rested; a danger for all Christians. Awakened by gentle rebuke and aware of his sinfulness, he rushes on without his scroll, his assurance of salvation. He begins to fear when he meets men running from prowling lions and realises he has no option but to go back and search for his scroll. Having recovered his Christian joy and assurance of salvation, he proceeds, straight into the lions. Death behind, danger ahead.