STUMBLING BLOCKS... Sunday

Devotional for 10/6/13

There are many things in this life that can get in the way of having a good relationship with God - forgetfulness, distractions, love of money, addictions, etc.  Even people can become a stumbling block.  We try our best to be helpful to others.  Sometimes, in spite of our intentions, we get in the way.  

We try not to take advantage of those who are weak or helpless, but rather build them up and help them:

“Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:14 (NIV)

Our desire is to lead others to Christ.  If we must correct someone's actions, we must do it lovingly and be careful not to be judgemental of the person's soul so that we do not turn them away from God:

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. Romans 14:13 (NIV)

In doing things that we know in our hearts are not sinful, such as eating or drinking certain things or dressing a certain way, we must be careful not to lead others astray to things that interfere with their faith in God.  They are still ultimately responsible for their own actions, but at the same time there is a healthy balance and we should not purposely confuse or tempt them:

Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.  1 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)

Again, we do these things all in order to be good witnesses to Christ:

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 2 Corinthians 6:3 (NIV)

But at no time should we sacrifice the telling of the gospel, the preaching of salvation through Christ, Jesus, in order to not be offensive to someone else. Then, and only then, are we to be a stumbling block:

Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom,  but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 (NIV)

Dear Lord in heaven - Thank you for giving your life for me on the cross so that I would have a way to heaven.  Make me a witness of this to other people.  Help me not to be a stumbling block for others but rather a stepping stone for them to follow you. In your name, Amen.

written by Jan Andersen

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Here is a song to listen to...

"Make Me a Channel of Your Peace"   

               sung by Susan Boyle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGHOtR-v4yQ&feature=player_embedded