But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 1 Corinthians 8:11-12

Earlier this week I came upon this passage in scripture that can be a difficult one to read, depending on your heart. Paul in this passage is talk about our freedom’s in Christ versus the possibilities of causing a brother or sister to stumble. While Paul refers specifically to food sacrificed to idols the truth pertains to many areas.

Alcohol
Movies
Music
Conversations

I am not here to give a legalistic list of do’s and don'ts because that’s not what this passage does. Paul make’s it clear that it’s a matter of the conscience and I will leave that topic for another time, but as I write this I am thinking on how this truth about stumbling blocks relates to children’s ministry in particular.

As I read Paul talk about those weak in the faith I cannot help but think of the children in our care. Are these precious children not weak in the faith? Sure we will find some children are more advanced in their understanding of scripture, but they have yet to face many of the trials and temptations that test our faith and mature us in Christ.

With that in mind, let’s think about our lives. Are we making sure all stumbling blocks are out of the way of these children? Not knowing when we may bump into one of our kids, how are we living outside the church? Does it match what we proclaim inside the church? How about those areas where there is liberty? Could a child misunderstand our acting with liberty as support for something more? These are hard questions, but as servants of Christ we need to make sure our lives are more concerned about others and their spiritual growth than on our liberties. This is true sacrifice that the Lord will bless.

So this week pick up 1 Corinthians 8 and read away. It’s an awesome (and challenging) passage. May the Lord bless you all.