Ere The Pernicious Creepers . . . .

More on the novice vs. veteran.  And by "veteran" I don't mean an expert or even someone necessary advanced.  I simply refer to a person who has been in the walk for a little while versus the babe to whom the experience is new.

You learn a few things over time.  Similar sign posts and challenges and tendencies happen to most nearly every one.

One of the immediate mistakes is to develop a subtle spiritual pride, usually attached to growing legalism.  Followed by a tendency to become overly critical and judgmental of others.  Once having "seen the Light" . . . and the world and it's corruption become ever more clear, it is easy to fall into a subtle feeling of superiority over those who remain in ignorance.  And to be overtly critical of, and to, them.  But alas, nothing turns people away faster from the Gospel than some preachy know-it-all, condemning and criticizing, blasting away, insensitive to the other's levels and limits of understanding.

A fairly quick cure to this typical mistake is to remember how it wasn't so long ago when you too were ignorant and misguided.  One can also recall the--though sometimes unintended--hurt and trouble we ourselves caused others when . . . we were in the clutches of our own self delusions.

So, now when we come across someone who is clueless and wreaking havoc, because they are so lost and unknowingly confused, we have humility and extended tolerance and compassion, knowing that we too have been in such a condition, and there, but for the grace and mercy of God, we would still be.

Legalism . . . and spiritual pride usually slip in . . . when, we start to become changed ourselves by the Lord--our habits, our inclinations, our weaknesses, faults etc., start to be corrected . . . . Some sins and flaws actually start slipping away--bothering us no longer like they did before, because He is transforming us, usually slowly, but surely . . . step by step . . . . And we find that we are becoming a different person--a changed creature.  Then, there is a temptation to look at others' bad habits and flaws and believe that it is because we are following certain rules and self disciplines . . . that we are growing, changing spiritually.  Some then want to start enforcing these rule and laws and demands on others, making them feel guilty if they don't . . . forgetting it is only the God's grace and the Lord's salvific mission which is saving us . . . and then, too, a subtle, hidden feeling of superiority over others sneaks in--and it is exceptionally devious and sneaky, this one . . . .

It is very easy to go through complete days subconsciously feeling better than others, superior, purer, more righteous.

Which is not to say that we may not actually BE . . . in some ways.  Temporarily, however.  For all fall short, and we are equally of the same need of a saviour . . . . And although we may be further along than another in spiritual growth  . . . for a moment . . . YET, because of sneaky, creeping spiritual pride we may actually soon, if not quite suddenly, be FURTHER AWAY, for God hates pride--the cause of the fall and corruption of creation! . . . . . . Too, there is always the possibility and likelihood that we will back slide or make grievous errors yet again . . . regardless of a momentary elevation and level of "progress" . . . .  .

So, we must be constantly on guard, as spiritual blessings and gifts may accrue . . . to watch and sever the sneaking pride which usually comes riding in, hidden on the underbelly, clinging . . . small . . . to dash into the temple and find a nook in the shadows . . . there to wait and spread perniciously within . . . .

Our status . . . others status . . . must be left alone and hands off by us, letting the Judge do what He will, when He will . . . and until then, like He, we want to rain and shine on the "just and the unjust" regardless, knowing HE will sort it all out in "the end."

I strongly suspect . . . that we are never in any danger . . . if it is sincere . . . being TOO humble and humiliated as to the power and status of our selves in the spiritual walk. 

The veteran eventually learns to watch for these novice errors . . . of temptation to spiritual pride and legalism.  And, this watchfulness . . . is a constant need, throughout the mortal life, for the pernicious creepers . . . who seek to inveigle . . . and slip into the temple . . . are ceaseless in THEIR efforts, especially as they consider those growing stronger and fiercer in the Word . . . the highest and most coveted of targets and prizes, if they can slip in and destroy . . . .

Prayers and love, for you, round about, top to bottom, side to side, through and through, day in, day out . . .
b,t