Strong Warnings Against Stumbling Blocks

“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! If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire.”

Matthew 18:7-8

Dear Family & Friends,
 Sin is a terrible thing! It’s something we don’t like to think about, and when we do our thoughts usually go towards gross infractions of the law. But God calls sin anything less than perfection in thought, deed, mind, and affections. There is no human who meets God’s standard of perfection because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Since “the wages of sin is death,” it is crucial that we accept God’s answer to this all-encompassing problem and then do whatever it takes to protect ourselves from our natural sinful tendencies (Romans 6:23).

A Disturbing Phone Message

Last Monday morning when we arrived at our office, we received a disturbing phone message. During the weekend some uncouth characters invaded our auction site, broke into a building and helped themselves to a portion of the merchandise. This began a whole flurry of activity that included taking inventory of the missing items, filing a report with the sheriff, and informing our client and online bidders of the theft. This whole experience caused much frustration but also heartbreak at how sin affects so many people.

Yet as I pondered this unfortunate event and today’s passage of Scripture, I was reminded that in God’s eyes any infraction of His law is sin and has serious consequences. It is not just the “big sins” like theft that keep us from God. James 2:10 says, “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”

Childlike Faith Needed to Enter God’s Kingdom

Jesus taught that in order to enter His kingdom, we must humble ourselves as children. As we come to God in childlike faith, we become conscious of His holiness. We then see ourselves as we should: sinners with no ability to enter His holy and perfect presence. This realization brings us to a crossroads where we have the opportunity to accept God’s provision for our sin as found in His Son, Jesus.

Those who receive Jesus as their Savior find forgiveness and peace with God. Yet even after receiving this gift of eternal life we must be careful how we live. The world presents many stumbling blocks. While believers can never lose their place in the family of God, we can be contaminated by the sin of this world and fall prey to our stubborn human natures.

Taking Precautions Against Sin

Jesus taught that we must take great precautions when it comes to sin. Using an exaggerated example to bring home His point, Jesus said, “If your hand or foot causes you to stumble, cut it off . . . If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out.” Jesus understood how terrible sin is and how important it is for us to protect ourselves. Not only that, but we must also not be a stumbling block to anyone else, especially new believers, causing them to fall into sin.

While we may not actually pluck our eyes out, we may need to take strong precautions against sin, such as putting strong guards on our computer to keep us from sites that would corrupt our mind. Instead of cutting off a foot, we might need to take the long way home to bypass the store that tempts us to wrong thoughts or purchases. Whatever it takes, no matter how invasive, if it keeps us from stumbling into sin, it will be worth the cost.

Sin and Stumbling Blocks

Sin is a terrible thing . . . much worse than we even know. It can keep us out of heaven and ruin our lives here on earth. Jesus’ warnings are not just for thieves and other unconscionable lawbreakers, but to those with lustful thoughts, outbreaks of anger, scintillating gossip, impure motives and more. For “there is none righteous, not even one.”

Yet, praise God, “the Son of Man came to save that which was lost!” So, heed His strong warning about sin. Turn to Him for forgiveness, and then do whatever it takes to protect yourself from the world’s many stumbling blocks. You will be forever glad you did!

Love,

Mama

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