Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:9
Have you ever left an ink pen lying on the end table? You probably have. Leaving a pen lying around the room is no big deal – usually. But what if there is a two-year-old in the house? An ink pen
on the loose could be an invitation to that two-year-old to draw a mural on the living room wall.
While leaving a pen lie on the end table is not a sin, it is not in the best interest of the two-year-old. When you leave the pen lying around, you are putting a “stumbling block” in front of that two-year old. You are doing something that could cause that child to do something that is wrong.
The same holds true for our spiritual brothers and sisters. First Corinthians 8:9 warns us, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” While you may feel it is okay to go to a particular place or do a particular thing, it may not be safe or wise for a less mature Christian brother or sister to go to that place or to do that thing.
It is your responsibility not to leave “ink pens” lying around that might tempt that younger brother or sister in Christ to do something that is wrong. Even things that are ordinarily okay to do might need to be set aside if there is the possibility that they might tempt a younger brother or sister to get into spiritual mischief.
What kind of example are you?
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to be willing to set aside my rights in favor of other spiritual well being. In Jesus’ name. Amen.