Our new puppy loves to walk in between feet while I am walking. There have been several times that I have almost gone head over heals while leading her on her leash. It would not be a pretty picture if I stumbled and fell. Did you know that Satan is trying to make you stumble? Even worse, he is trying to use people close to you to make it happen.
Matthew 18:7
“Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but Woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!”
The world is Full of Stumbling Blocks
Jesus spoke these words as He was instructing the people on how to conduct themselves with each other. Later on in the chapter, He tells us how to deal with conflict and if someone has wronged you. Don’t be a stumbling block to other people. The world is full of them, and Christians trip over them every day. Jesus is telling us that the one who lays it for others to trip on will be judged.
Beware of Making Others Stumble
Stumbling blocks come in all shapes and sizes. They can be a temptation like alcohol or an opinion about someone else. Most are the result of our attitude. When we cause others to stumble in their faith by what we have said or done, the fault rests on us, not them. There is a segment in the church that gets joy out of confusing other Christians. They challenge their faith and put ideas into their heads so that they can get the delight of seeing a young believer stumble. Jesus has a special judgment for these people.
Trying to Make You Stumble
Our job is to be on the lookout for stumbling blocks. If we see a young Christian struggling come alongside them and show them the Word of God, be a righteous example and an encourager. They make not get it right every time, but with your help, they won’t stumble as much. People have fallen away from their faith because of the feelings of failure from stumbling. Be there to pick them up.