Building Blocks and Stepping Stones (Day 2 from Cleansing Thoughts)

    Romans 14:23-13 (Amplified Bible) contains yet another reference to stumbling blocks, "Each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God. Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother." This passage is in reference to Leviticus 19:14, which states we are not to place hindrances before the blind. Metaphorically, this refers to those who do not know or understand God's Word. This includes both those who are weaker Christians in their faith as well as those who are considered stronger but walk in pride. In the eyes of God, both are helpless and blind spiritually. In Jewish interruption, this passage is taken figuratively to mean we are not to give bad counsel to those who are spiritually blind. As their brother in the Lord, it would be wrong of us to cause them to stumble and commit sin either in fact or opinion. Rather than standing over them in a judgmental or self-righteous attitude, it would be better for us to pray for them that the eyes and ears of their understanding would be opened and that they would learn to rightly divide the Word of God.

    As we learn to seek and apply godly wisdom, we can illuminate our path and avoid stumbling over things places in the darkened rooms of our spiritual lives.

    "Skillful and godly Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you can wish for is to be compared to her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are highways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold on her; and happy (blessed, fortunate, to be evident) is everyone who holds her fast.It(Proverbs 3:15-18, Amplified Bible).

    It is the goal of every Christian to see the kingdom of God built, so don't you think it would be better to work with the Lord than to lay an obstacle course before our brothers and sisters in the Lord? We are not to give in to our old ways of doing things like my granddaughter did when she knocked everything down trying to get through her brother's spilled blocks, but we are to live in the newness of Christ, being a witness to others of His love and mercy. It is only when we work together that the kingdom will be built. My friend, there are no other words I can say to you that would add one measure to your life than this: "Keep sound and godly Wisdom and direction, And they will be life to your inner self, and gracious ornament to your neck (your outer self). Then you will walk in your way securely and in confident trust, and you shall not dash your foot or stumble" (Proverbs 3:21-23, Amplified Bible).  The Word of God tells us we are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. Our Christian wald is an ongoing process, one in which we are to have a singleness of purpose in response to God's hand upon our own lives. as Christians, we are to be His example to those around us. We may be the only Jesus they will ever see; therefore, it is so important that we build something of value into their lives and not tear them down.

    Just take a minute to think about what you are building in your life as well as in the lives of others. Are you laying building blocks or putting down stumbling stones? Won't you let me pray with you right now that God will show you how to begin building His spiritual house? 

    "Dear Lord, we come to You right now and ask You to lighten our path with Your Word that we would not stumble over the cares of the world but that we would begin this day to build our lives into s spiritual house fit for the Masters' use. And dear Lord, we also ask that You would help us not to cause our brothers and sisters in the Lord to stumble, but show us the way to always follow Your wisdom. In Jesus' name. Amen"