Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come.”

Luke 17:1

How we act and what we say in the presence of others can be powerful.  Are we doing and saying things which bring glory to God? Do our actions and words line up with our beliefs? Would people know us as Christians the first time we meet?  It is our responsibility to consistently demonstrate the life and love of Christ to others by our words and through our actions.  As Luke 17:1 warns, “woe to anyone” who causes another to stumble.

When I think about the word stumble in this verse I immediately think of sin.  Would I want to cause another to sin?  You may argue that we cannot “cause” another to sin, rather the individual themselves “chooses” to sin…and that is on them, not us.  Perhaps. But do we really want to have that glass of wine in front of our alcoholic friend or buy lottery tickets in the presence of a gambling addict?  What about when we dance a little too close to that line of being inappropriate in what we say or do knowing it will lead to something far worse?   In these moments are we living for Christ or being used by Satan as a tool for temptation in another’s life?

Most of us could, without hesitation, say that we would never choose to physically harm another human being.  What about when we choose to spiritually harm someone?  What about causing another to stumble?  It is far worse for us when we say or do things which lead another person to sin.  (Mt 18:6) And it is far worse for them to be led into sin. (Rom 6:23)

As we grow in our relationship with God it is imperative that we pursue holiness and right living in all situations.  We are called to reflect Christ’s character which is alive in us through the Presence of his Holy Spirit.  We are called to be holy examples to those around us. (1 Peter 1:16)

Today let us pray before speaking.  Let us seek the counsel and guidance from the Holy Spirit before taking action.  May everything, we say and do be pleasing in His sight. (Rom 12:1) And, most importantly, may we never cause another to stumble into sin.

WITHDRAW weekly devotional

Author Kami R. Lobner

“Writing has always been a gift to me from God.  There is no better avenue for me to communicate the true depths of my inner most thoughts and feelings. I was encouraged by my family and friends to write…anything…but to just write.  So, I prayed about what to write and felt a calling to write daily devotionals.  God has used my gift to put on paper what His Scripture means to me; my hope is that what I write hits a chord with those who choose to read the devotionals.  I often include a short prayer in the devotionals I write.  These prayers are meant to encourage and perhaps challenge us to pursue God’s Presence through scripture reading, meditating on God’s Word, bible studies and fellowship with other believers. 

God has been good to me and to my family.  I sincerely hope something God led me to put on paper provokes a thought in you or perhaps is that “little thing” you were needing to hear.  None of these writings are from me, but from God and His gentle guidance to put thought and prayer on paper. 

May God truly bless you!”