Dave's Diary

Prayer

Before you read, I invite you to pray this prayer, which is the second verse from the hymn “Master Speak“

Speak to me by name, O Master,
let me know it is to me;
speak, that I may follow faster,
with a step more firm and free,
where the Shepherd leads the flock,
in the shadow of the Rock! Amen.

Briefly prepare your heart in silence, and ask the Holy Spirit to awaken your awareness to the voice of God, coming to you through His Word.

Reading

Matthew 18:6-7

In Matthew 8:6-7, the command of Jesus comes to us loudly and clearly. I would paraphrase it like this:

“Whatever you do, do not cause one of your fellow believers to sin.”

Whenever we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we ask the Lord: “Lead us not into temptation.” But here Jesus warns us that it is a dreadful offence to be the person through whom temptation to sin comes to another believer. He will hold us accountable for every such action.

We have probably seldom thought about this issue, but there are a multitude of ways we may find ourselves guilty of leading someone else to sin. So here is a set of questions to ponder:

• Do I behave in ways that might make other less mature believers think that sort of behaviour is okay, whereas it really is not. For example, do I exaggerate the truth, cheat in small ways, tell “little white lies”, tell inappropriate jokes, pass racist comments, etc.?
• Do my words always build others up or am I guilty of speaking in such a way that others feel invited to engage in gossip with me?
• Does what I speak about with others build up their hope and faith, or do I sow despair and doubt through my conversations?
• Does what I share on social media bring life to others, or is it causing others to be tempted to anger, lust, discrimination, hatred, etc.?
• Do I treat people justly, or does my treatment of them cause frustration, anger or bitterness towards me or others?
• Do I encourage others to compromise their values, through my words or example?
• Do I call the trustworthiness of Scripture into question and so sow doubt in others’ minds?

These are just some simple examples, but I hope they will get us thinking today about the ways our lives exercise influence on other believers. And I hope and pray that I (and you) will grow in our capacity to exercise a positive influence on one another as believers, and never to lead each other into the temptation to compromise and sin.

Contemplation

Please take time to ponder what Jesus has commanded us. Turn these declarations over in your mind. Keep them in mind throughout the day and live in step with our King, Jesus.

As a disciple of Jesus Christ,

• I will strive to set a Christlike example to my fellow believers..
• I will focus on never leading others into temptation through my words or deeds.

Loving God, empower me to set a Christlike example today. May my life inspire others to walk with You more closely. Amen.