One of the most recognizable structures on the rural American landscape is the grain elevator. Some stand 15 stories high and stretch for blocks. Unfortunately, these storage bins are often susceptible to grain dust explosions. Some elevators blow up because microscopic dust particles suspended in the air suddenly ignite. According to one engineer, to get rid of the dust danger, "You would have to tear down half your elevator."

This situation reminds me of a similar danger among some Christians and churches, especially those that have been around for a while. Longtime believers and longstanding institutions are inclined to get cluttered up with little particles of familiarity, tradition, and laziness, which can easily be ignited by the sparks of temptation.

The wise man who wrote Proverbs 6 said, "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep--so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler" (vv.10-11). Big troubles come from little problems that we may not even take seriously. They slowly build up to the point where clearing the air requires a complete overhaul. But the cost is nothing compared to the loss that occurs if particles of sin collect and produce an explosive downfall.  — Mart De Haan