Offenses to
God’s kingdom are not like other offenses.
It is
interesting to think what kinds of offenses these may encompass. Without a
doubt this would extend to anything which may impede someone else’s progress
into the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus speaks
powerfully of the sobriety we should have in consideration of causing such an offense.
He says it would be better if, “a millstone were hung around your neck and you
be thrown into the sea.”
It would be “better…” Think about that.
The very
idea of being cast into the sea with a millstone around your neck is about as
vibrant a picture as Jesus ever presents.
But who are
the “little ones” Jesus speaks of?
Certainly,
this would speak of any children who may be in their midst. More than once
Jesus has spoken very fondly of the children. He has encouraged they be brought
to Him that He may hold them and share His love for them. Jesus has such a
heart for children because of the nature of their faith. They have not become
jaded, and they believe what they are told by their elders - especially by
those elders who are closest to them in relationship. Indeed, it is ‘childlike
faith’ which saves the child of God.
But what if
what the little ones are told to believe about the kingdom of heaven is
accompanied by hypocrisy in you? What if they believe what they have been told
to believe about the kingdom of heaven – but then begin to struggle with their
faith in the kingdom of heaven or to lose their faith entirely because of what
they see in you?
This is the
idea Jesus is presenting. We will be held responsible for the impact our lives
have on those who are just learning about these things. Anyone of any age can
be one of the “little ones” Jesus refers to. Yes, children are certainly
included, but so is anyone who is a new believer, or just becoming a ‘child of
God.’
Mr. Religious
Man, what impact does your life have upon the child of God?
-Pastor Bill
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