As a father to four kids, I have become aware that my kids are always watching, and they are always listening. Sometimes, I have learned that lesson painfully. It can be argued that today’s text, is Jesus addressing not only the disciples but also condemning the Pharisees for their “do as I say, not as I do” attitude. But I would also argue that this is aimed at us as parents, and as Christians as well. Jesus said in Mark 9:42, “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.”
Jesus is teaching His disciples about what it means to live like a Christian. He is also giving them multiple warnings in the chapter about sin, and the seriousness of sin. I can’t state this enough, parents, we are always teaching our children. Not just when they are young, but even as they have grown, they continue to watch and listen to how you live. Not only is this true of parents, but it is also certainly true for all Christians. Not only are the unsaved watching and listening to see if our walk matches our talk; but new Christians are watching and learning from us as well. Therefore, it is imperative that we vigilantly watch our walk with the Lord, because we are always influencing people. We are either influencing them for Christ or away from Christ. When you and I sin publicly, it doesn’t just hurt our relationship with God, and our witness for God. It can also potentially lead someone down the wrong road. They can see what we do or say, or even what we don’t do or say, and they can emulate our actions, and thus, fall into sin themselves. Before you start thinking that it all relies on you, we need to remember that God has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us and help us live a life that glorifies Him and draws others to Him. Therefore, don’t try this on your own. Instead, pray each day asking the Holy Spirit to guard your heart, eyes, ears, mouth ,and life and that He would help you point others to the soul-saving, life-changing Gospel.
By His grace and for His glory,
Pastor Justin