Stumbling Blocks

The Bible issues harsh warnings against causing another person to stumble into sin. One such cautionary statement is found in Matthew 18:7 where the Lord said, “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!”

Jesus proclaimed woe upon any person who became a ‘block’ of stumbling; any person whose actions or presence provides an open door for sin is one such ‘block.’ There are grave consequences for leading another person into sin. Consider Matthew 18:6, where Jesus said it would be better to have a heavy millstone hung around your neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea than to cause a believer to stumble. Those are sobering words!

Examine your life, then, and see if there is any way that you act as a stumbling block in the life of another. There are at least three possible ways we may be a ‘block’ of stumbling.

First, our actions can provide an open door for another to sin. If you treat another person with constant harshness, you are providing a challenging situation that might make it easy for them to sin. You do not cause them to sin (cf. James 1:14-15), but your actions may create a scenario in which they give into the sin in their heart. Also, by failing to rebuke someone, you might make it easier for them to persevere in their sin. In any case, we must watch that our actions do not cause others to stumble.

Second, our example might cause others to stumble. It is sad that our disobedient actions may serve as an example for our brothers and sisters who, then, because of their own weakness, give in to the temptations of the flesh. Yet, that is the world in which we live. Our sin can have unintended consequences—we do not know how a particular instance of sin might influence another person. In all that we do, we must make sure that our example does not make us a block of stumbling to another!

Third, our worldview might cause others to stumble. When we have an unbiblical view of sin or of temptation, we can draw others into a wicked mindset. If a trusted person says that a particular action is not sinful, we are more prone to do that action—even when the Bible clearly marks it out as sin. We must constantly strive to ensure that we are being Christ-centered and Bible-minded when we describe the world so that we do not label darkness as light and vice versa. By failing to have a truthful analysis of the world, we might entice others to sin.

What should we do when we encounter stumbling blocks, when we are tempted to engage in a sinful action? Jesus also gives a very shocking command in Matthew 18:8-9. He said that even if a member of our own body caused us to stumble, we should be willing to perform a radical amputation so that we would avoid sin. This statement shows the great danger of sin; the fact is that sin can lead to such trauma that we ought rather be crippled than engage in it!

Christians—beware of being a stumbling block to the family of Christ. When you encounter such blocks of stumbling, fight against sin in the strength of the Spirit! Set your priorities in line with Kingdom of God so that you have a right perspective when you are tempted. In doing so, pray that God will give you grace to persevere in trials and know that He is faithful (1 Thes. 5:23-24).

--Dean of Admissions