Every day (without looking for very long), I see people over and over again looking for reasons to jump on someone for doing (fill in the blank). It’s an easy road to follow; to find offense and point it out. Unfortunately I find myself doing that as well. As Christ followers, we are not to follow the world. “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.” (Rom 14:7-8)

Christ lives in us and we are to be a shining city on a hill so that others can see Christ in us (Matt. 5:14-16). Instead of focusing on things that divide us, instead we are to make certain that we aren’t causing another to stumble. “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” (Rom. 14:12-13)

In this world, we are continually given messages to think of ourselves first. But God’s Word says: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” (Rom. 12:1-3)

One thing I continue to pray for is that the Lord will guide my steps and my words so that I am not an encumbrance to the work of the Holy Spirit, especially in the lives of those I am praying for. We are to speak God’s truth, not our own opinions, and to speak His Word in love so that His message is appealing to those who don’t know Christ. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (Rom 14:19)