Stumbling Blocks

Bible Reading: Romans 14:12-13, 19-21

Mia was having a bad day. Lucy and Krista had come to play, but when Krista won nearly every game, Mia became angry. “Give me that,” she demanded, grabbing the score sheet. “You didn’t put down the right points.”

“I did too!” said Krista.

“No, you didn’t!” said Mia. “You’re a cheater!” Lucy watched as the fight got uglier. Finally, Krista got up and went home.

As Mia and Lucy started another game, Mia said she didn’t like Krista—and she didn’t like several other classmates, either. She called them stupid and ugly and made fun of their clothes. Lucy hesitantly agreed with her.

Soon Mia’s mother came into the room. “Thanks for coming over, Lucy,” she said. “I need to talk with Mia now, but I hope you’ll come again soon.” Once Lucy had left, she turned to Mia. “Pick up your games, Mia—I’ll be back in a minute.”

As Mia was picking up the games, she heard a piercing scream. She ran to the kitchen and saw that her little brother had stumbled over a pair of shoes she had left in the middle of the room. A cut on his head was bleeding, and Mia felt terrible.

After Mom cleaned Ford’s face and bandaged his cut, she sat down with Mia. “I’m sorry,” said Mia before Mom even said anything. “It’s my fault that Ford got hurt. You told me not to leave my stuff lying around, and I forgot it.”

“Yes, but I’m even more concerned about something else,” said Mom. “Didn’t Lucy become a Christian just a few weeks ago?” Mia nodded. “Well,” said Mom, “I saw the way you acted toward Krista today, and I also heard some of your conversation with Lucy. Ford stumbled because of shoes you left out, but I’m afraid Lucy may stumble in her new life as a Christian because of things you did and said. Your words and actions weren’t pleasing to the Lord, and they weren’t a good example for Lucy. They could cause her to stumble spiritually by making her think it’s okay to do what you did.”

Mia blushed as she remembered her behavior. “I think an apology is in order, don’t you?” asked Mom. “An apology to both Lucy and Krista.” Mia nodded and picked up her phone. – Hazel Marett

How About You?

Are you careful to be a good example to others—especially new Christians? When you do something wrong, you’re not just hurting yourself or even anyone you may have treated badly. You’re also hurting those who saw you do it—especially if they’re still learning how to live the Christian life. God says to live in such a way that your words and actions won’t cause others to stumble spiritually.

Today’s Key Verse:
Romans 14:13 Resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way.

Today’s Key Thought:

Don’t cause others to stumble