It happens everyday. Someone else joins the ranks of the fallen. Perhaps another politician, a preacher, or a movie star. While I write this blog another teenager will take an overdose.Another will be come pregnant, and another prodigal son will leave home headed for the far country.
Another husband cheats on his wife and vice versa.There is no arguing that these are tough times.
But,what about the fallen? What shall we do? Throw them away like an empty drink bottle tossed out a car window only to lie fading in a ditch? Kick them while they are down? After all,surely they got here by there own doings.Ever heard the statement , "he made his bed, now let him lie in it?"
Perhaps in these days of unrest and strive it would do us well to say again, "If not for the grace of God there go I."
So what are we to do about those who have fallen along the way? Please permit me to suggest a few steps we might consider taking before we give up on them.
I- Don't be glad!
We are not to gloat over the misfortune of others no matter how they may have treated us.
To often we are like the little girl who was mad at her brother. Her prayer before bedtime went something like this: "Jesus pardon me please while I kick my ornery brother!" Always remember to be nice to people on the way up,because they are the same people you will meet on the way down!
II-Don't gossip!
Don't call your best friend to tell them about another's failure under the disguise of a prayer request!
Be careful when saying certain words that might be true but often come back home and slap us in the face. Here are some examples.
1-I would never do that , 2- my kids would never get away with that, 3 - they are getting exactly what they deserve
4 - serves them right!, 5- I told you so! And on and on the list could go. It amazes me
at age 53 looking back and seeing how dumb I was at 23 or even 33 . Never say I'll not fall!

III-Don't give up!

You may feel like you are on bottom but don't give up my friend.I have been there myself and without the support of family and friends I might not be here today.Someone cares.You may not see it now but there is hope. And those of us standing must not give up either. When it comes to the fallen we are not to be glad,to gossip, or to give up.We need some servants who will take heed lest we fall.
Fallen folks need huimble servants with a spirit of meekness to help restore them.Please don't misunderstand and think I am saying there are no consquences for one's actions in this life.We know better than that! I worked with a man over 25 years ago who liked to make fun of my faith in Christ. He would say, "if you thought it, you might as well say it." How ridiculous! What I am saying is people are hurting and in trouble. Who will you be willing to walk with this year that no-one else will?