Leading The Way - Devotional for July 31
July 31, 2025
The Danger of Self-Confidence
By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.
In his book The Screwtape Letters, author C. S. Lewis wrote: “The safest road to hell is the gradual one—the gentle slope, one that is soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”
Many Christians do not believe they can or will ever drift away from God. They see their devotion as solid and unwavering. However, compromise and a lack of spiritual discipline can quickly open the door to temptation and sin.
Once we accept Christ as our Savior, the enemy knows his work of eternal destruction has been thwarted. However, he is relentless in his effort to work havoc in the lives of God’s people. Therefore, he goes to work in a different way. He knows that he cannot have our souls, but he remains committed to destroying our lives.
One of his greatest weapons against the body of Christ is pride. He seeks to tell us we are complete and worthy apart from the Lord. He wants us to feel good about our talents and abilities—so much so that we begin to make decisions without considering God’s purpose and plan. Before we know it, we have believed a lie and departed from our first love: our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
There is nothing wrong with knowing God has gifted you and that He is the one who is using your abilities. The story changes, however, when you begin to take life into your own hands without regard to the Savior’s will.
Temptation by itself is not sin, but if left unchecked, it quickly leads to sin and broken fellowship with the Lord. You can say no to the subtle sin of compromise by asking the Lord to keep you close to Himself. Be committed to spending time in prayer with Him each day.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times I have compromised my love for You. Thank You for Your forgiveness and love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?” (Proverbs 6:27).
Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
