It's a Tough World

Text: Luke 17:1-4

Yes, it's a short passage today. And it's one we'll never be done with as long as we live in this world.

How do we accept the inevitability of sin without becoming complacent about it, either in ourselves or in others with whom we are connected? It never ceases to amaze me that Christians are often clear enough on the doctrine of human depravity, yet think it is scandalous when people actually sin. They are offended, indignant, especially if the sin manifests itself in a manner that impacts them directly.

Jesus, speaking to his disciples again, acknowledges the universality of sin; it is indeed inevitable. But this does not negate human responsibility for sinning. What he is especially concerned with is the sin which causes other people to question or even reject the faith. Causing children or those new to the faith to stumble has severe consequences. Knowing this, his followers are not only warned to watch their own words and action, but to be watchful of brothers and sisters who are either already or very nearly placing stumbling blocks in the pathway of another. And one of the most dangerous ways to cause such stumbling is to refuse to forgive the brother who offends the believer. Simply, if we proclaim a gospel of forgiveness, it can do nothing other than cause great hesitation or stumbling to refuse extending forgiveness.

How many times have you been shocked by the actions or attitudes of another Christian? How many times have you overheard someone complaining about hypocrites in the church? How many times have we been guilty of putting the rock in the path of another? How many times have we cared enough to gently and lovingly sought to warn the ones we see endangering both their own standing and the growth of young believers? Today, take some time to think of all those who are in any way influenced by your way of being? The circle is probably wider than you may think. Then pray about how you maintain the type of conduct which will lead them closer, not farther from the truth.