Psalm 36:11 English Standard Version (ESV) Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.

My accountability partner posed a question recently about living in a world of sinners and being able to minister to them without being influenced by them. The issue of engaging in conversations with those who have opinions that oppose the gospel is a slippery slope. On one hand we can slip on the footfall of arrogance and what others do to draw us into their sins is the other.

Psalm 36:7 English Standard Version (ESV) How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Our refuge from falling is His steadfast love. If we walk in love, His love, we can expect protection.

2 John 8-9 English Standard Version (ESV) Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

The full reward John speaks of here is bringing the lost children back to God by means of the gospel.

Psalm 127:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

For us, in the world of lost sinners, we must first have learned of His steadfast love, learn how to abide in that love, and to be able to walk in the world without losing contact with His abiding presence. He is always there, He is always available but He will not respond to arrogance nor in joining sinners in those moments when we are to show a better way.