...watch out...be wise...

Temptations to Sin

42 ‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who “believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea. 43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life maimed than to have two hands and to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame than to have two feet and to be thrown into hell. 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, tear it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and to be thrown into hell, 48 where their worm never dies, and the fire is never quenched.

49 ‘For everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if salt has lost its saltiness, how can you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another’” Mark 9:42-50.

Little children are highly valued to Jesus, as are those who have little faith. Both are vulnerable, and Jesus values the vulnerable! Here Jesus is concerned about our attitudes, for the vulnerable are to be protected and cared for. After all, the vulnerable are the most important people in every community or church of faith. How we treat and care for the vulnerable is entirely about whether God will punish us or reward us. Think about it, there is not greater application of Jesus’ teachings about true discipleship, than how we help and care for the vulnerable. If you want to understand the heart of living the Christian life, this is it! How we treat children and how we treat people who have little faith are the two greatest examples or applications of Jesus’ teaching on true discipleship!

You see, we live every day with two destinies, life or hell. Moses said this best: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curses. Choose life” Deuteronomy 30:19! When Jesus says above in verse 34, “If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off…,” He is using graphic hyperbole. But Jesus certainly means this seriously. You see, we put ourselves in serious sources of temptation sometimes, and Jesus is warning us to be very careful. 

So take time every day to pray. This is how you and I avoid temptation and sin. Step away from this habit and we will all find ourselves putting ourselves in serious sources of temptations. Don’t do that! It will cost you greatly, and that’s what Jesus is trying to tell us!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me a sinner.