Playing Near the Edge

Growing Daily

Playing Near the Edge

Yesterday I walked my dog up a road that ended at the top of a steep hill. The house there had a long, sloped driveway that climbed even higher. And at the very top of the drive stood a basketball hoop.

All I could think was, this is the worst basketball setup I’ve ever seen!

One sharp bounce off the rim and that ball is long gone. It would sail down the driveway and roll at least a quarter mile before finally coming to a stop.

It made me think about how important positioning is in our spiritual lives.  Choosing to linger near temptation is like playing basketball at the top of that driveway.  All it takes is one unexpected bounce, one compromising decision, or one moment of weakness to send us careening in the wrong direction.

James warns us, “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.  These desires give birth to sinful actions.  And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (James 1:14–15).

That’s why Scripture tells us, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life” (Proverbs 4:23).  

Where are you standing today?  Guarding your heart doesn’t begin when the ball is already rolling downhill. It begins when you choose not to play near the edge.


- Ron Reid