The seeds of wickedness

The seeds of every wickedness

(J. C. Ryle, "The Gospel of Mark" 1857)

"But Peter insisted emphatically, 'Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You!'And all the others vowed the same." Mark 14:31

See how much ignorant self confidence may sometimes be found in the hearts of Christians. The apostle Peter could not think it possible that he could ever deny his Lord. And he did not stand alone in his confidence.

The other disciples were of the same opinion. "And all the others vowed the same."

Yet what did all this confident boasting come to? Twelve hours did not pass away before all the disciples forsook our Lord and fled. Their loud professions were all forgotten. The present danger swept all their promises of fidelity clean away.

So little do we know how we shall act in any particular position—until we are placed in it!

Let us learn to pray for humility. "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." There is far more wickedness in all our hearts,than we know. We never can tell how far we might fall—if once placed in temptation.

There is no degree of sin into which the greatest saint may not run—if he is not held up by the grace of God, and if he does not watch and pray.The seeds of every wickedness lie hidden in our hearts!

They only need the convenient season to spring forth into a mischievous vitality. "Let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall." "He who trusts his own heart is a fool.''

Let our daily prayer be, "Hold me up—and I shall be safe!"


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