5 Signs of Walking on the Roof

David’s downfall came because rather than out fighting the Lord’s battles, he was walking his own palace rooftop (2 Samuel 11).  With that laxity came a dangerous opening for the evil one.  It is most likely that he relaxed not only in his military campaign, but also in the pursuit of God.  His many victories sprung out of his intimate relationship with God, but for some reason when the army was out at battle, he decided to sit it out.  Soon enough, sin was calling to him from the rooftop and he was inclined to listen.  He discovered what James would later write: “lust when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is accomplished brings death.”

What about us?  The point is that we also can fall if we relax in the fight against sin.  If we are not diligent in maintaining a righ relationship with God, we too will be led astray and enticed by our own lusts.  If so, we will not be stricken down on the battle field struggling against the powers of this world, but in the inner chambers of our hearts as we take a break from our fighting.

Here are some warning signs that you might be “on the rooftop” in danger of falling:

1. No longer battling satan, sin, & soulishness.  Those things that you once fought so hard against seem to be less threatening than before.  Instead of being militant in the fight against everyday temptation, you find yourself much more laid back in your spirituality.  Your once high standard of righteousness is becoming lower and lower.
2. Living for pleasure or popularity.  As the battle for purity ceases to be the priority of your life, you find that the pleasures of life are more and more important.  You find yourself thinking more and more about what might please you rather than what might please God.
3. Laying down your Sword.  The Word of God is no longer a source of sustenance for you.  Your personal study and practice of the Scripture is less and less, if it continues at all.  You rarely consider what the Bible says about your thoughts or actions.  When you read the Bible, you do so out of duty rather than delight.
4. No fear of God.  You are no longer concerned that God knows the intentions of your heart and sees what you do in secret.  You are not troubled or convicted about sin.  You do not treasure your right standing before Him and relationship with Him.  He is not reverenced in your heart.
5. No longer a man/woman after God’s own heart.  Instead of pursuing Him with all that you are, you look for excuses for why you are not all that God has called you to be.  You have no passion for the things of God or the name of Christ – you spend the majority of your time without even thinking about Heavenly things.

If you find yourself identifying with these warning signs, take heed lest you fall!  Not every life turned away from God is lived in open rebellion, many are caught by ensnaring sins when they have simply let up.  Don’t allow yourself to become a casualty of a war you are not fighting.  Turn back and do the things you did at first, that your light may continue to burn and that Christ might have his rightful place in your life as both Lord and Savior.