We’re drinking coffee under the canopy. The forest is beautiful. Two woodpeckers chase each other around and a turtledove is dancing to impress his female. Everything is calm and balanced.

Friends of ours come for a visit and together we have some more coffee. She tells us about her son who’s just blocked her on WhatsApp. I can hear the tears in her voice as she talks about her lost son.

She doesn’t even know why he no longer wants to talk to her, but suspects it happened after he blew up one day when they prayed at the table. He couldn’t understand why his mother and brother believed in Jesus. In any case, he hadn’t closed his eyes when they prayed for years.

From an early age, he connected with people who believed differently and did differently – even some who did not believe at all and still did otherwise.

His mother thinks he’s angry. Angry at life. Angry at God. Just angry.

Now he doesn’t call anymore.

We must also be careful not to follow those outspoken people who are so brazen as to rebel against God and Jesus. It’s so easy to be influenced these days and you may also be tempted to adopt their beliefs. It makes more sense and before you know it, you’ve left the right path. Maybe not angry, but not on the right page anymore.

Therefore, heed this advice: ¹³So roll up your sleeves, get your head in the game, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives.

After the second cup of coffee, my phone rings. It’s my good friend who just came back from a nice tour. We talk about everything and catch up on each other’s doings and what the children are up to.

I’m happy to hear that his son had a girlfriend again. A man shouldn’t be alone.

My friend says that he and his wife had already talked to their son about how important it was for him and his brand-new girlfriend to be on the same page about their love for their Creator. Being on different pages about this would make things difficult.

It’s true. Love can easily steal your faith. Slowly, but surely, each building block is removed from your little house of faith, until only a ruin is left. Then, when the winds of life blow, you get angry. Angry at life. Angry at God. Just angry at everything and everyone.

The Amplified translation says we must be sober – steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert. This isn’t some spiritual thought or belief. It’s not an emotional feeling. No, with your mind and your thoughts you must be on the lookout for anything that may damage your faith.

Consciously guard against someone or something else that wants to steal your faith. Open your eyes to the red lights and make sure you’re firmly grounded in your faith. Make sure that your faith life is also balanced.

Scripture
1 Peter 1:13-16

Reflection
What in your life can push you off course?
Who in your life can push you off course?
Where should you watch out?

Prayer
Father, I realise once again that I must take care that others do not lead me in the wrong direction. Please help me to keep my eyes open and make sure I’m following only You. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.