Analogy

When a person recognizes a child in physical danger, many people will go extreme measures to protect them. The children may be unaware of the danger or do not have the power to overcome the situation. These measures used for rescue may be life threatening to the rescuer. This example is directly analogous to the spiritual lives of many adults, today. Even the most experienced spiritual adults are really still children with much to learn about some spiritual dangers. We must trust the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead and fight our spiritual battles; there is no one more powerful and who can use us to overcome the spiritual struggles we and others face. We have a responsibility to other believers - we must help them follow the Holy Spirit's guidance. No, it is not our own efforts that cause results, but we must allow the Holy Spirit to use us and address the situation as He understands is best. When we follow this pathway, God is glorified, the trapped person is helped, and we realize we have been an effective servant. Paul spoke of this to some new converts in Galatia, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” Gal. 6:1. (NIV) "As a Christ-follower, having godly friends to help us steer away from sin is crucial. True Christian friends view each other’s holiness as important. We should welcome a friend in the faith who is willing to gently reveal when we need an attitude adjustment and a spiritual sharpening. . . In return, let’s be loving enough to do the same for our friends. There is something uniquely special about a Christian friendship. It’s a soul-to-soul connection that lasts for eternity."