Sin is the original “gift that keeps on giving.”
Often, when a person turns from God, they think that it’s no body’s business but theirs. No harm, no foul.
Whether you serve God or not, is a personal decision; nobody can make you be a Christian. But, if you think your decision has nothing to do with anybody but “me,” you may want to re-think your choice.
No matter how independent we see ourselves, our decisions affect and often hurt those around us. Further; if the devil can lure “me” into sin, he can use me to bring those I love down as well.
God created us to be influential, so that we can lead others to Christ. Satan works hard to pervert that gift of influence so we lead others to sin. Sadly, this wrong use of influence is seen even INSIDE the church.
According to the independent polling group, Barna, one of the most often given reasons for NOT being churched is—the careless and sadly, even immoral, way people who ARE in church–behave. Ouch! When we are nonchalant about our own sins, our damaged testimony hurts others.
While it is true, those who do not serve God will be judged by their OWN misdeeds, those who cause others to stumble also have a harsh reality to face at judgment–. As Christians, we represent Christ; when we represent our Lord badly we will be held to account.
We must seek guidance from God’s Word and follow Godly leadership our self so that we can boldly say, as the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 10:31-33, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.”
The Word says, (Galatians 5:19-21) “The acts of the sinful nature are OBVIOUS.” Even the newest babe in Christ recognizes that sexual sins, drunkenness, witchcraft, orgies and hatred are sins. The other sins, while still obviously sins, are sneaky: selfishness, jealousy, envy, discord.”
Often, we don’t even see the subtle sins as being serious enough to damage our relationship with the Lord. Yet, jealousy and selfishness are in the same list as the “big” sins. These are the sins that can often cause those outside of the church—from coming inside.
Guard your heart and keep your relationship with God strong. Every day, seek God’s direction through prayer and Bible study so as not to be a stumbling block. There is no such thing as sin hurting only the sinner; sin is the “gift that keeps on giving.”
Gal. 5:19-21 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious; sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like.
Prayer: Father, help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. I want to be a good influence, a Christ life influence to those around me. Amen.