I will not cause them to fall
by Tatiana Overduin
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Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall (1 Corinthians 8:13).
Would you give something up if it caused another to stumble in their faith? Today’s reading is interesting when we consider it in our ‘me-focused’ generation. As a teacher of teens, I often hear statements that echo blatant selfishness. ‘I haven’t done anything wrong’; ‘It wasn’t my fault’; ‘I can do whatever I like!’ – sentiments that overtly reflect a lack of empathy for others. However, as young people grow into maturity and test the moral boundaries of life, it is to be expected that they will question their identity, which will inevitably shape their questioning regarding what they like and dislike. As Christian adult role models, then, our aim is to guide our young ones to consider others so they not only look to fulfilling their own needs but also be considerate of others – because empathic, caring young people grow into empathic, caring adults. The message of the Bible is to consider the needs of others, as the Philippians text teaches us all to:
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3,4).
It’s a tall order, though, isn’t it? Born into sin, we innately find it difficult to put others’ needs before our own. We can only achieve this loving duty when we ask for God’s help. More than ever, in our modern social climate, there are so many distractions and influences that do not even consider the effect that one’s own actions might have on another. Behaviours heralding increasing greed, selfishness and utter individuality, which equates to what many identify as a ‘me’ generation, seem only to be escalating.
Today’s reading paints such a refreshingly different picture. Let us consider for a brief moment what Jesus has done for us! He gave his life so we can live as free people: free to love and serve our brothers and sisters. We have been freed from the bondage of sin, guilt and shame. We are free to go that extra mile when we might be feeling tired or discouraged. We are free to give up that pet sin that might cause us to be a stumbling block for others, therefore, witnessing Christ working in us. All is possible with God’s help (Matthew 19:26)! We just need to ask him.
God of love and truth, we pray that you empower us to seek your ways – the perfect way. Help us reflect on how our lives might be a stumbling block for others: please reveal these ways to us. Lord, have mercy. Amen.
Tatiana is married to Jim, and they live in Largs North, a seaside location in Adelaide. They have two adult children and six grandchildren, who are a wonderful blessing to them both. Tatiana teaches full-time as an English, history and religion teacher; she gained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Australian Lutheran College in 1996, and in her spare time, she enjoys knitting, gardening, singing for church, writing and swimming. Her home congregation is Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide.
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