1 Corinthians 10:9

Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents (KJV)

Then: Example #3. He who cares the very best never neglects our spiritual growth. Would he? Just as in Numbers 21:4-9 when serpents destroyed those complaining about the food, the Lord could be tempted to let those who turned from him just slip away. "Tempting Christ." How in the world does that work? (And I thought these four examples would be quick and easy!) Idolatry is the overriding problem, so "tempting Christ" has to fit in with that term. Will eating meat tempt others to go back again, worship idols while eating? Paul says, "Yes! It will." Corinthians needed to be careful for their own souls in addition to those who followed their example. Paul is saying, "Don't go there."

Now: Unfortunately, by the fault of human nature, We all harbor an untold number of wayward offenses against the Lord in our daily lives -some intentional and some in ignorance. "The heart is deceitful." Staying faithful, staying pure and obeying the Lord's commands are the ongoing challenges for Christians. We are blessed when the Paul's of today identify and hold up warnings of the impurities in our lives. The October 19 morning devotion by Charles Spurgeon advises us bruised reeds and burning flaxes to remember the Lord's gentle care for everyone who still emits even one beam of spiritual light (as compared to light bulbs or the light of the sun). Hope remains. We are thankful for Paul. We are thankful for Christ.