Stumbling Block

Recently, one of my Christian friends posted something a little controversial on facebook.  I know that she is a Christian and I know that she has a heart for God, but this remark made others question that heart for God.  One of the joys of living in America is the freedom of speech.  We can say what we want to say without any LEGAL recourse.  Granted there is a lot of other recourse that we have to deal with, but legally, we are able to say what we want to, when we want to.  We are able to have opinions and express them freely without threat of imprisonment.  As Christians, do we have that right?

That is a great concept, but when you use freedom of speech, it isn’t always beneficial to you.  It isn’t always the legal recourse that we need to be considering.  As a Christian, and a child of God, we need to be considering not the legal ramifications, but the spiritual ramifications.  If we say something, or do something that is against God’s will or His word, we are making others question and potentially stumble in their walks.  “Well so-and-so said that this was alright and she is a Christian.”  “So-and-so cheated on his wife, Christians are no different than the rest of the world.” 

If someone is looking to us to show them the way that Christ wants us to live, then why are we not constantly striving to live that way.  I have noticed, especially in ministry positions, that this is most important. 

Back in high school, I attended a Christian sports camp and I recall being so upset because the men and boys could run around with their shirts off but girls were not allowed to wear spaghetti strapped tank tops or go out in their one- piece bathing suit unless in the pool.  We asked for an explanation and what they told us was that they didn’t want anyone to stumble in their walk for Christ by lusting over a member of the opposite sex.  (Obviously they weren’t thinking about the teenage girls lusting over the boys, he he).

Kirk Cameron, Christian Evangelist, is so intentional about making sure that he doesn’t make anyone stumble or question his ministry that he has specific rules set up for his touring.  Women are not to go backstage once the program starts and he prefers to not take a picture alone with anyone unless there is a table or other object separating that.  Now there are exceptions to that rule if someone randomly approaches him for a picture, or if they are his biggest fan (Hannah).  But he has a man setting there during the meet and greeting session, specifically so that he is never put into a situation where his ministry could be questioned. 

The Bible is consistently talking about not putting a “stumbling block” out for anyone.  Leviticus 19:14, “Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God.  I am the Lord”.   Malachi 2:8 “’But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble, you have violated the covenant with Levi,’ says the Lord Almighty”.  2 Corinthians 6:3: “We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.  Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way…”. 

Then my favorite:  1 Corinthians 8:9: “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.”

Now I am not anyone to judge.  I know that I have caused some to stumble, really been dumb about things that I have said or done in the past and am nowhere near even close to start thinking about being perfect.  I just need to be sure that what I say and do in the sight of the world is not making them question God or question His kingdom or authority over my life.  To do this, I need to seek His will and His direction by getting into the Bible.