Going bald?

He did not know that the Lord had departed from him.— Judges 16:20

Barney had always been proud of his thick, wavy hair. But then he began to lose it. Finally just one lone hair remained on top of his shiny dome. One morning Barney awoke, looked at his pillow, and was shocked to see that last hair lying there. Jumping out of bed, he ran downstairs crying, “Martha, Martha, I’m bald!”

That story reminds me of Samson who “did not know that the Lord had departed from him” (Judg. 16:20). A similar thing happens to the Christian who dabbles in the things of the world. He goes deeper into sin, slowly sliding away from the Lord, without knowing what is happening. It is not until he has had some startling experience — perhaps due to God’s discipline — that he sees his true condition. When brought under the searchlight of the Word of God, the deceived one is shocked to realize how Satan has stripped away his spiritual power and discernment.

Television, movie, and video habits reveal how far some people have slipped. Suggestive words and immoral themes once considered offensive, are now tolerated as acceptable entertainment. To avoid the kind of shock that Barney experienced, it’s important to examine ourselves daily. Say, are you going bald spiritually?

— Richard De Haan

O Lord, help us to recognize

When we begin to compromise,

And give us strength to follow through

With what we know is right and true.

— Sper

READ: Judges 16:6-20

Most often, falling into sin

is not a blowout but a slow leak.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 37-39

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 37-39