Do Not Be Led Astray

October 3, 2018

DAILY READING

Matthew 18:6-9
This weekend’s reading: Genesis 27:1-29

FIELD NOTES

Does anyone remember the song, “What If I Stumble?” by DC Talk?  This was an older song by an older Christian music group, back in the 90’s. 
 
Regardless, on the album, the song opens with a quote from the renowned author, Brennan Manning. Manning says:
 
“The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.”
 
I can’t speak to the claim that he makes about the cause of atheism, but I would like to speak to the point he is trying to make. We, as believers, hold a great responsibility to keep others from stumbling in their faith. Jesus warns us to be careful not to lead others astray. Do we take him seriously?
 
I wonder if we take it seriously enough? Or do we flippantly throw out bits and pieces of spiritualism here and there that we pick up from whatever latest book we are reading, or even worse, that we find on social media, without carefully examining if it is actual truth or not? 
 
May we always examine our example, and our own theology, so that we may not lead anyone astray.  

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

PRAYER

Lord, we acknowledge we are human and fallible, living in a fallen world.  We pray that as we experience fears, doubts, and worries, you would strengthen our faith.  Help our unbelief. Help us to not let our own fallibility lead anyone else astray. Amen.