If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.
Mark 9:42
We have to remember that Jesus likely still has the child from verse 36 in His arms as He says this. So, He’s talking primarily about God’s passion for protecting Christian children. Those are the little ones who believe in Him. But, I do think it can be extended to believers who are young in the faith as well.
And God promises that those who harm His children will be punished. In fact, Jesus says, the punishment will be so severe that it would be better for you if you had died before you committed this sin. He mentions having a large millstone tied around your neck and being cast into the sea (which the Romans actually did to people). Even suffering a terrible death like that would be better for you than causing one of His little ones to sin.
This should affect your relationships. You should never be the cause of someone else’ sin. Don’t be a stumbling block. Don’t be a temptation. Don’t lead others astray. But this especially applies to the impact you have on children who believe.
There are many ways that adults lead children to sin. How many innocent children have been lead into sin by a stack of magazines they found in the back of dad or granddad’s closet?! How many have been tempted by a website mom or dad left pulled up on their computer or phone? How many children have been led astray by a movie that you showed them? How many children have learned to cuss from listening to you? How many children have learned to ignore the clear teaching of Scripture and live in sin by watching how you live?! How many have you led down the wrong path by your example?
God takes it personally when you draw one of His children away from Him, when you lead them into sin. And He promises to punish you for it. So, be very careful how you impact God’s children.
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