Proverbs 24:16: For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again…..

This is an interesting verse that gives us a clue on what it means to be righteous. Righteousness does not mean perfection.  If that is the case, then none of us are righteous. None of us can declare that our lives are 100% righteous. A righteous person has the attribute of tenacity. Yes, falls happen. What do we do when we fall, even if it happens 7 times or 70 times 7? Some may give up, concluding that living the Christian life is too hard.

A mature Christian falls and rises again. He or she does not give up. They confess to God, “Lord, forgive me for I have fallen again,” and they rise determined to work harder at following Jesus. A righteous person is not one who never falls. It is a person who rises again after every fall. When you fall, don’t give up! Get up, and try again.  

Christians are like a basketball player who misses 7 shots in a row but continues to try and score. We would be shocked if a player missed a few shots, then walked off the court, and quit the team. So, if you have failed God (and we all have) don’t give up. Try again.

Thank You, Father, for Your loving patience. I do want to serve You, but I know my efforts fall far short of Your standard. Please help me to rise up when I fall. In Jesus name, Amen.