From the desk of Pastor Ben

Ways To Cause Sin – Part 2

“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!”
(Matthew 18:7)

The apostle Paul warns parents against indirectly causing their children to stumble: “Do not provoke your children to anger” (Ephesians 6:4). Such things as partiality, unrealistic demands, and being too critical can drive children to sinful reactions. Being detached and indifferent to your children’s concerns can also provoke sin. Neglecting children (even because of church commitments) and showing little interest in their opinions can also prompt sinful responses. Your children’s resentment and anger can spill over to affect friends, relatives, and fellow church members and cause them to stumble.

Another way people can cause God’s children to stumble is through sinful example. Believers can stumble into sinful attitudes and practices just by following the bad examples of others. This is another area in which parents must be on guard, realizing they continually provide examples, good or bad, for their children to emulate.

An alcoholic father left his house one night and headed for his favorite bar. He soon heard a crunching noise in the snow behind him and looked back to see his young son close behind him. When he was asked what he was doing there, the son said, “I’m trying to follow in your footsteps,Dad.” The father reportedly never took another drink after that.

Paul admonished Timothy that “in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” he was to be “an example to those who believe” (1 Timothy 4:12). Church leaders, no matter in what capacity, can’t escape being examples, for better or worse, to those believers given into their care.

Ask Yourself:
What could you do to rectify any errors of yours that have sent your children an inaccurate, unintended message about who God is and how He works? What might be the consequences of refusing to humble yourself in regard to these sins, not owning up to them for others’ sake?