"Stumble"

It happens far too often,

When believers do some harm,

Discredits what God calls us to,

And should cause us alarm,

And no, nobody’s perfect,

And we all will make mistakes,

But when we cause someone to stumble,

It’s sure the Lord’s heart aches.

And people point and make excuses,

‘Bout the hypocrites and all,

And the devil oft deceives them,

When they hear the Savior’s call.

So we pray the Lord will help us,

Fill us with the Spirit strong,

And when we fail somebody,

Admit quickly that we’re wrong.

Confess to one another,

And pray for healing, too,

Ask the Lord will send anointing,

To do what we should do.

Watch our conduct and our language,

Think with care the life we live,

‘Cause somebody’s always watching,

For the impression that we give.

And some will say they just don’t care,

What anybody thinks,

But problem is it’s not Christlike,

And that’s just why it stinks.

Make it all point them to Jesus,

Give God something good to bless,

In view of what He’s done for us,

How can we do less.

“Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.” (Romans 14:12-13, NLT)

There have always been those who were insensitive in their walk with Jesus Christ, and careless about their impact with other Christians. And though it’s wonderful to escape the bondage of pleasing men, we still have a very real opportunity to build each other up or tear others down. Sometimes our freedom leads us to disregard the witness we could be having toward unbelievers as well. God’s goal is to make us more and more like Jesus. He works with and through imperfect vessels. But it’s up to us to cooperate as much as possible with God’s transforming work and seriously pray about they ways we can be most effective for Jesus.

Lord, help us not to cause others to stumble, in Jesus’ name.

Art by MIkel Donahue, used by permission. Thanks, Mikel, and God bless you.