Not Easy, But Necessary
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Some of you might consider this blasphemy, but I believe it is my sacred duty to you as my siblings in Christ to confess that Jesus says some things in scripture that I wish he would leave alone. Especially things where it is a completely normal reaction to say, “There’s no way I could ever do that…ever.” I firmly believe that maybe the biggest challenge of all when it comes to leading a life of Christian faith is simply realizing that Christ does not call us to an easy life, nor a pain-free life, nor a life that comes without times of doubt and frustration arising from what truly is the standard for Christian living.
One such passage that serves as a ‘gut-check’ in this area is found in Luke’s gospel, chapter seventeen, verses one and two, which are:
Jesus said to his disciples, “Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.
A few quick things of note here:
Jesus point-blank says that we will face times for stumbling in our faith - but then turns around and tells us that we are STILL responsible for our actions.
Notice also how he takes this concept and expands it to where it is not only about our fealty to God’s standards for living, but also how our obedience DOES impact others. Wouldn’t it be nice if my faithfulness to God (or lack thereof) affected only me?
As uncomfortable as it is to read, Jesus makes quite clear the gravity with which we must own the idea that we are to be paragons of Christian virtue and living - or else why are we here?
Look, I get it. Jesus doesn’t understand how things work in the world today. This may have been good stuff 2,000 years ago, but, c’mon, man! Things people are saying and doing - even fellow Christians - just aren’t right. Jesus may be right, but just TAKE A LOOK at things.
A great opportunity exists for all of us as we look at these two simple, yet profound, verses - an opportunity for us to take a step back and ask ourselves if we are engaging in actions and attitudes that - while well-intentioned, to be sure - are causing others to stumble in their walk with Christ because of what they see in us?
You and I have a great opportunity not just in these most interesting of times but all times to be the change we want to see in the world.
You and I have a great mandate to life a life that blesses others through our actions and attitudes.
You and I have a great example to follow in Christ, who faced down those who mocked, tortured, and beat him, with a grace and peace that flows only from God.
You and I have a great guide to walk with us in this journey, the Holy Spirit, who will be with us always, showing us the way forward as we seek to live a life of faithful service to God.
You and I have a great creator, God almighty, who made us specifically to take care of all of creation, blessing others so they, too, come to know and awaken to the love of God that has been in them from before they were formed in the womb.
Being mindful of all of this, let us endeavor today and always to live a life of blessing, a life of mercy, a life of faith, blessing others so they, too, encounter the transformational grace of God - and in turn pass it along to others.