They Are Watching and Following

Scripture:
Luke 17:1, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come, but woe to him through whom they come!”
 
Observation:
Jesus is clear here that I will face temptation. It is inevitable. It is a guarantee. I will have a chance to sin. It is reminds me of other Scriptures where Jesus teaches me to pray that I will not be led into temptation and where Peter says that God can rescue us from temptation. I also think of the promise in Scripture that says that no temptation will come that God has not given me strength to overcome.
 
Jesus turns the table here. Not only does He say that temptation will come but also that it is possible to be someone who tempts others or causes “little ones” — children in life and faith — to sin. Jesus seems to have a ton more sympathy on those who sin than on those who cause someone to sin … “Woe to YOU” … Woe to ME! It would be better for me to go through pain, suffering and death than to face God as someone who causes “little ones to stumble.” It seems like He is saying there is nothing worse.
 
Application:
His words are pretty alarming to me. They remind me that what I do matters to the “little ones” in my life. They cause me to ask a basic question as a follower of Jesus. Do the things I say and do lead people to please God or do they lead people to do things that do not please God? I need to inspect my life with these questions and ask God to change me where I am a fault. In my home do I set an example to my children of what is good to watch on TV? Are they learning bad language or bad behavior by what I am allowing in my home? Do I talk right about people while in the company of younger believers? Do I do things without grumbling or complaining or do I have a public attitude of thankfulness? Do my responses to people’s praise teach my children humility or pride? Are they becoming more like Christ or more like the world because of my life? They are watching! And they are following.
 
Prayer:
Father have mercy on me and forgive me for anything I have ever done to cause someone to stumble. Reveal to me the things that still happen in my life that could lead my children and other young believers to do something that displeases you. I want to be a man who leads people to live holy and be disciples of Jesus. When you show me where I am at fault help me have the desire and strength to change. Thank you for your mercy in my life. Thank you for providing a way out when I’m tempted. Thank you for your patience.

— Doug Hunt, pastor of worship & programming