A Good Thing Gone Bad

“A good thing gone bad.”

When I hear that phrase, I usually think of this statement a pastor made many years ago: “Some things that begin in the Spirit end in the flesh.”

Someone said, “The seeds of its own destruction are inherent in the conception of a thing.”

Many churches begin with great visions and enjoy successes for years, but some die or “go bad” because of “sin in the camp,” to use on Old Testament expression.

The nature of things in this fallen world is to degenerate. Stuff tends to age and fall apart.

Marriages often begin with pure motives and wonderful plans, but life can deal deadly blows to couples. A husband or wife is often blindsided by sin or just the plain hardships that come with living.

A person who has been dramatically saved by Christ can “drift too far from the shore,” to use the words from an old song, and end up with shipwrecked faith. Though he may repent and still claim a belief in Christ, the drifter may lose his testimony, influence and even his self-respect.

I often think of King Solomon. He started out with humility, joy and wisdom, but his sensitivity to the beauty of wisdom and truth gave way to his sensitivity to physical beauty and the lusts of his flesh.

Many a good thing can go bad. We must trust Christ and be on guard against our fallen natures.

Jesus said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Someone said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”