It's inevitable sometimes. We don't mean to have our leg extended in the path of another. We don't intentionally stick out our foot to cause someone to trip over it. However, occasionally we are the cause of another to stumble and fall. Will the world hold that against us? In a court of law, they've sued for less. But what about the spiritual entrapments and stumbling blocks. What are they? How are we responsible for another's spiritual plunge?
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in and acknowledge and cleave to Me to stumble and sin [that is, who entices him or hinders him in right conduct or thought], it would be better (more expedient and profitable or advantageous) for him to have a great millstone fasten around his neck and to be sunk in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world for such temptations to sin and influences to do wrong! It is necessary that temptations come, but woe to the person on whose account or by whom the temptation comes!" Matthew 18:6-7 (NASB)
Given this text, what should Christians avoid doing? What should we avoid saying? What should we avoid supporting, endorsing, condoning and validating? How relevant are my choices to the "little ones" who believe in and cleave to Jesus? What difference does my example mean in the scheme of things? Apparently more than we like to admit.
“Woe”. Do you see this as the Believer upon which the “woe” will be bestowed? I believe so. It's not the unbeliever that will be held accountable, for he is condemned already. Has someone tripped you lately? Have you fallen into sinful behavior because of another's penchant for gossip, talebearing, slander or bitterness? Have you used another's sinful behavior to excuse your own? Woe unto us who have. selahV
[copyrighted, SelahV Today, 2008]
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