Beware of Tripping Another

“Take heed lest this liberty of your becomes a stumbling block” —1 Corinthians 8:9

Paul warns that I can abuse my liberty and trip up another believer. I am not only responsible for my life, but also for its influence on others.  If I eat a banana and throw the peel on the sidewalk, that is not the end of my meal.  If someone slips on the peel and falls, it is my fault.

Therefore, I must consider both my actions and how they influence those around me. In what way does my fellow believer move because of my example—Towards God or away from God?  To the slough of despond or the joy of the Lord? To the hog-pen or to the Father’s house? These are questions I must consider when determining my actions. My brothers and sisters in Christ are part of my life. How are they are impacted by my behavior?  “If meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend” (1 Cor. 8:13).