Remember: Temptation is NOT sin. However, giving into the temptation IS sin.
Jesus was logical, realistic and practical. He lived in reality. And we should too.
What did Jesus say to His disciples? What is He saying to us today?
“… ‘It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come (temptations to sin), but woe to him through whom they come!” Luke 17:1
It is inevitable, it’s going to happen to each one of us who is reading this devotional. No matter where you live or what you do for a living… stumbling blocks, the temptations to sin, are part of your life.
Did you note the warning, the Red Flag Jesus gave in His teaching? “… but woe to him through whom they come!” Luke 17:1 NASB
We are not to purposely put a stumbling block to sin in another’s path.
Don’t go there, back off. No matter if you are “egged on”, enticed, dared-don’t do it.
Jesus told us why we are not to be the cause of another stumbling into sin.
“It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than that he would cause one of these little ones to stumble.” Luke 17:2
~ Take it to heart ~
Just because stumbling blocks are inevitable, we are not to be the one to put a stumbling stone in front of someone else.
“For we stumble in many ways…” James 3:2 NASB
Self-control and Godly wisdom are key to avoid putting a stumbling block in someone’s path.
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 NASB