Encouraging Others

July 2, 2021

Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea (Matthew 18:5-6).

Many years ago, I saw a commercial on television in which a father was sitting with his young son under a large tree. As they sat, the father took a pack of cigarettes out of his shirt pocket, took a cigarette out of the pack, laid the pack on the ground next to his hip, put the cigarette between his lips, and lit it. He took a drag from the cigarette, then, with his eyes closed, blew the smoke into the air. The little boy noticed the expression of satisfaction on his father’s face, reached down for the pack of cigarettes, and started to pull one out of the pack. The t.v. screen went blank.

People are either leaders or followers; they either set examples for others to follow or follow the examples others set. Paul said (Philippians 3:17-19) Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame - who set their mind on earthly things.

Christians are to encourage each other in faith and spiritual growth by what they say and how they live. We are not to be a hindrance in word or example, nor are we to cause others to stumble and fall in our conversation or conduct. The Apostle wrote (Hebrews 10:24) . . . let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works. . . . The Lord God draws us away from sin and to His Son, Jesus Christ, so that we can be saved. Christians work with the Holy Spirit in drawing others away from sin and to the Lord Jesus. To become a stumbling block to others defeats the whole purpose of being servants of the Lord and ministers to His people.

We are told in Romans 8:29 that Christians are . . . predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son . . . . Conformity to the image of Jesus Christ means we are to be holy in character and righteous in conduct because that’s what Jesus is. The Christian who lives a godly life follows the example of Jesus Christ. Like Jesus, a Christian never leads another person into sin, but helps steer them away from sin and toward Jesus who can save and sanctify. Likewise, a Christian never seeks to ‘tear down’ another person like the Pharisees, Scribes, and Sadducees did in the days of Jesus. Rather, we are to build one another up in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 2:3-4) Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

“Lord Jesus, compel us daily to humble ourselves before You and before others so that we may not be a stumbling block to others, rather may we serve to build up fellow believers in the faith. To Your honor and glory I ask, Amen.”

Pastor

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