When I was working as an office manager at a downtown condominium several years ago, I heard a terrible crash outside of my office. As I jumped out of my seat and rushed outside, I saw that a large section of a banyan tree had fallen onto the driveway in front of the condo. It was a massive piece.
As I approached the broken piece, I saw the reason for the fall. Beneath the bark of the tree that had been hidden from public view for years was some kind of killer disease. You see, the tree didn’t just fall. It was in the process of falling for years. Something unhealthy was eroding its insides. The outward crash was not the beginning, but merely the conclusion.
We notified our maintenance crew and within an hour or so, the fallen tree was cut up and taken away. The shavings were swept up as well and within a short time, life was back to normal.
But people are not like fallen trees. When people fall, others around can be greatly injured for years! But what is similar to fallen trees is this: No person falls without there first being some erosion that was already occurring on the inside – where it was hidden from public perception. We are good in putting our best foot forward to show that there is nothing to be concerned about, but meanwhile the erosion on the inside, erosion from entertaining bad thoughts, fanaticizing over sleeping with someone, secret sins that turn into lies over how we tend to explain such things away when challenged, all work to eat away on the inside of us until one day we too experience a great fall.
The fall was not sudden. To others it seems that way. But upon a careful inspection of what was occurring on the inside, it becomes obvious, the fall was in process over many years.
A family, a circle of friends, a body of fellow believers, a group of distant admirers – all experience the injury. And there is no clean up crew to come by and sweep away the debris. The damage is done and the effects continue for quite some time.
So what does this tell us?
First, starting out well does not guarantee finishing well. What goes on between the start and finish is very vital and should occupy most of our energies.
Second, spiritual erosion could be at work on the inside of a person, even though the bark looks healthy and the fruit tastes good. Just because erosion is not overtly evident does not suggest erosion does not exist.
Third, to keep oneself from falling, remember that spiritual strength comes from deep within. If you neglect the spiritual condition of your heart, you will fall and you will inure others as a result.
Fourth, a support system is needed. If you do not have a few good buddies to keep you accountable and ask you the tough questions, you will be setting yourself up for failure.
Fifth, always ask yourself this: “Am I able to discuss with my spouse publicly what I am doing privately?” If the answer is “no,” then don’t do it! Never think that your hidden erosion will not in time been seen by others.
1 Corinthians 10:12: "Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall!"
