Tempt Not

SCRIPTURE
Luke 17:1-3
Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. So watch yourselves.

OBSERVATION
These are some very challenging words. We can expect to be surrounded by people and things that would tempt us to sin -- that is part of this fallen world that we live in. But, Jesus gives a particularly strong warning to be careful not to be the instigating cause of someone else's sin, especially children. One translation says, “There will always be temptations to sin, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting!"

APPLICATION
We must be careful to walk in a way that does not cause others to sin. This is a challenging task. God is watching how my behavior influences others! This means that my life cannot be lived as if God and I are the only ones that matter. I must live life considering how to be a help rather then a stumbling block to others. I am reminded of the verse that warns parents not to frustrate their children. Being a parent, I know am beginning to understand how difficult it is to direct and lead your children without unnecessarily frustrating them.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to walk circumspectly. Make me aware of those areas in my life that might cause others to stumble and help me to remove them immediately! Amen.