As I got on the elevator to head out to a lunch appointment, I quickly glanced at the headline on that little screen that is so ubiquitous in the Loop that I wonder what elevators were like without them. (Oh, wait, I remember. We stared forward looking at nothing instead of staring at the screen.) I thought the "French shoot down Libyan war plane visiting no-fly zone" headline was strangely worded. That was until I re-read it and realized it said the Libyan plane "violated the no-fly zone." That little mix-up had me thinking about the absurdity of the idea of "visiting" a no-fly zone and expecting to get out safely.
There are definitely no-fly zones for the follower of Jesus Christ. Some should pretty much be no-fly for all believers. Others may be more individualized based on areas where you have fallen previously or where you know there is great temptation. I hope you are thinking of those no-fly zones in your life right now. Regardless of what the no-fly zones are for you, the reality is there is no "visiting the no-fly zone." Entering the no-fly zone is a violation. The enemy has an established presence in the no-fly zone and will shoot you down. Don't assume you will get out safely. Scripture warns of this in so many places. For example:
There are definitely no-fly zones for the follower of Jesus Christ. Some should pretty much be no-fly for all believers. Others may be more individualized based on areas where you have fallen previously or where you know there is great temptation. I hope you are thinking of those no-fly zones in your life right now. Regardless of what the no-fly zones are for you, the reality is there is no "visiting the no-fly zone." Entering the no-fly zone is a violation. The enemy has an established presence in the no-fly zone and will shoot you down. Don't assume you will get out safely. Scripture warns of this in so many places. For example:
- Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? (Proverbs 6:27)
- Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Corinthians 6:10)
- And she said, "The Philistines are upon you, Samson!" And he awoke from his sleep and said, "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." But he did not know that the LORD had left him. (Judges 16:20)
- ... and be sure your sin will find you out. (Numbers 16:20)
What are the no-fly zones in your life? Are there other areas that should be a no-fly zone for you? Do your brothers in small group and your accountability partner know your no-fly zones? Update the list today. Communicate it. And stay away. There is no visiting the no-fly zone!
Really like the way you worded that Dan...seems like we are all a little to willing to see how close we can get to the fire without getting burned...
ReplyDeleteBlessings - Rich