Bible Reading: Genesis 39; Job 5; Mark 9; Romans 9
Mark 9:42 And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.
Do the decisions that you and I make have an effect in the lives of others? Jesus says they do. He warns in this passage of scripture that offenses to little ones that believe in him are a big thing with God. The Greek word translated offend is skandalizo. Can you hear the root of our word scandal in that word? When we live the life of following Christ, there are others that are watching. God has designed that discipleship take place by allowing younger Christians to observe and learn from older Christians.
Titus 2:2-6 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. 6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
When a young believer is growing in their faith, they want godly examples to learn from. They watch the lives of others. Just as a young apprentice watches the master craftsman work and then imitates what he sees, so a young disciple imitates the lives of older brothers and sisters in Christ. This is an integral part of church and family life. God wants little children to grow up in a family where they can learn from their parents, grandparents and older brothers and sisters. Think of it for a minute. How does a child learn to talk? Unless they have a speech impediment they learn by imitation within their home. They develop the language, dialect and accent of their parents. This is the way a Christian grows.
Now Jesus says to be an offense or scandal to a growing believer is a serious sin. In fact it is so serious that to have a millstone tied around your neck and cast into the sea would be a better thing! This is extremely strong language from our Lord! He is telling us that discipleship is very important to him. If we are a stumbling block, we are worthless. Would you look around and ask the Lord what your example in this life is like? Would you allow his Spirit to lead you into all truth? Would you walk in a manner that leads others to him?
Little ones are watching. What are you showing them by your life?
In Christ,
Rody
