Most of Colorado is mountainous and breathtakingly beautiful. But the area around my birthplace (La Junta) is flat and unremarkable … except when it comes to cantaloupes.
Unfortunately, their reputation was temporarily ruined in 2011 by an outbreak of a foodborne bacteria called listeria, which not only made a number of people sick but killed some elderly cantaloupe-eaters. A case was brought against farmers who used a handling process that allowed the dangerous bacteria to thrive.
It is hard to gain a reputation, but easy to lose one.
These farmers skipped an important safeguard, thinking it wouldn't matter, but the results were deadly.
We can do this same thing spiritually, thinking that some of God's commands are optional or unimportant. But when we cut corners, we allow the bacteria of deception and compromise to damage our faith.
That’s one reason God tells us:
"Above all else, guard your heart … Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil." Proverbs 4:23-27
Do you have safeguards in your life to help you stay spiritually healthy? Take time to memorize and apply this proverb.
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To examine some popular compromises that affect faith, see Do You Have "Subtle Idols" in Your Life? and Questions Christians Should Ask Before Doing Yoga.
BLN
Wow, you’re from CO! I recall when this happened. Such a great illustration of reputation. Can’t beat our cantaloupes or Palisade peaches! God bless!
ReplyDeleteHi Cinnamon Momma
DeleteYes, my mom and dad were raised in Las Animas and I was born in LaJunta because my mom came home to her parents to have me. My family moved many times because of my father's job, but we lived in Ft. Collins during my jr. high and high school years.