One of the highest callings we each have is to be spiritual parents. For some this will be to our natural children but everyone has this call. Others no matter how old or young we are, whether we like it or not, will look up to us and be encouraged by our choices.
We know as parents that life style is the greatest teacher for our children. They will much more readily do what we do than do what we say especially if our words are not backed up by actions. As an example, parents who swear or drink excessively will often have children who do the same even if they tell them not to. We limit our choices for the sake of our children. In the same way in the Kingdom we limit our choices for the sake of others. We do not exercise our freedom if it will cause others to stumble. Paul talks of this in Romans 14 where he was addressing the matter of sacred days and what people ate and drank. Today we could extend this to do with our vocabulary, modesty in dress, alcohol, the kinds of food we eat, our attitudes, the types of places we go to, how we conduct ourselves with the opposite sex, the types of jokes we tell, media choices, how we deal with conflict, and how we spend our money. There are quite a few pastors who do not drink so they will not be a stumbling block to others who may be weaker.
Paul encourages us not to judge others’ choices but also not to be a stumbling block to others by our choices. ‘Don’t look at me while I sin,’ is not an option! Whether we like it or not, people will look at our lives and use them either as a Godly example or as an opportunity to do things that are perhaps not wise.
Let’s encourage one another to good choices and let us strengthen those weaker or new in the faith by our good choices; not by a holier than though attitude, but by the helping hand on our journey which we all need.
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