MONDAY, OCTOBER 8
1 Corinthians 8:9-13
Romans 15:1-7

“Howbeit there is not in every
man that knowledge ...”

BE AN EXAMPLE!

A stumbling block is one who leads others to sin against Christ by their ill example and dissimulation. However, some in an attempt to excuse their rebellion, point to others who are living righteously and accuse them of being stumbling blocks. This is twisted thinking and ought to be rejected. In fact, we should always endeavour to follow those who follow Christ. Thus, Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”

In 1 Timothy 4:12, Paul exhorted the young pastor Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” While the direct application of these words is to pastors, nevertheless the principle holds true for every believer. We must do all we can by the grace of God to be an example of Christ-likeness for others to emulate. This is the positive application of 1 Corinthians 8:9-13.

However, those who bear a good witness for Christ may sometimes be accused by others of being stumbling blocks. Do not be discouraged by such false accusation. “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?” (Matt 10:25). Similarly, Elijah was called the one who “troubleth Israel” (1 Kings 18:17) when the reverse was true. Therefore, continue to press on in shining the light for Christ, and upholding the Word of everlasting life. Strive to be a Christ-like example and not a stumbling block!

THOUGHT: I must let others see Christ in me.
PRAYER: Father, help me to be more like Christ my Master.