“Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth and a foot out of joint” (Proverbs 25:19).
Observations about this guy:
1) He Causes Unexpected and Lasting Pain. One who has ever tried to chew food and discovered the shooting sting associated with a broken tooth knows that it is painfully unexpected. Because the unfaithful Christian may talk a good game and look like they are solid, this person can cause a great deal of pain when confidence is wrongfully placed in him which he is not able to handle.
2) He is Unreliable/Untrustworthy with Stress. Sadly, confidence is sometimes placed in Christians who are unreliable and untrustworthy when it comes to difficult times. When this person has no regard for the Lord or the things of the Lord in ease, then it’s not shocking to know that they will fail to give godly counsel and help in “chewing on” the problem or “walking towards” a solution in difficulty.
3) He Slows Down Progress. When a foot is out of joint, simple tasks like going from here to there are burdensome. When a tooth is broken, eating a simple snack is much more sluggish as food is shuffled in the mouth to avoid that area that causes pain. Christian growth is hindered because of this person (II Pet. 3:18). Even the most elementary principles of Christianity such as evangelism, faithfulness in attendance, and prayer to God are hindered and slowed because of this person’s spiritual lack.
4) He Creates Frustration. When one is physically in this condition, the simple thought of eating or walking is looked upon with contempt and loathing. Once lack of confidence is established in a Christian, it is frustrating to know his entire purpose as a Christian is brought to nothing because he will not perform his duty faithfully. Only the Lord knows how many have fallen away because of the frustrations caused by confidence in unfaithful men and women!
Am I someone who, because of my lack of spiritual awareness, is unworthy of the trust that others place in me? That’s something to chew on! -AB
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