Sacrificing Personal Freedom for the Good of Others
Luke 17 // A Devotional
Temptations are part of this world. No one can escape it, not even Jesus (Matthew 4). However, don’t fret. Temptation is not a sin.
Usually, when we think of temptation, we think of ourselves: How can I avoid and conquer temptation in my own life?
Rarely do we think about how we might be tempting others, and when we do, it can become quite controversial. The conversation usually finds its way to women’s clothing (modesty) or alcohol consumption, and it ends with one group feeling offended and oppressed. In the case of modesty, women often feel blamed for the sins of men.
As an American, freedom is one of our highest values. To give up personal freedom because somebody else is weak seems almost un-American, but Jesus has some harsh words about that.
“Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.” (Luke 17:1–2 ESV, emphasis added)
God calls us to love one another as ourselves (Leviticus 19:18). It’s of equal importance to loving God. We all agree that tempting someone intentionally would not be love, but how far should we be willing to go to avoid tempting others?
For Paul, it goes so far as him not eating meat if it would cause a brother to stumble (1 Corinthians 8:13). For most of us, that seems too radical. Or is it?
What are you doing that might be causing a brother or sister to stumble?
I encourage you to seek the Lord with an open heart and an open mind. Are you willing to radically sacrifice your rights for the good of others if the Lord so commands?
But let’s not stop there. At the end of Jesus’ warning, two words caught my eye — little ones.
I’ve never heard this topic discussed in regard to how we may be tempting children. Usually, we approach this topic only through the lens of adulthood (the actions of one adult tempting another).
With children in mind, how might your view on this subject change?
You may be able to justify “eating meat” even if it tempts a grown brother or sister (“I’m not responsible for their sin.”), but it’s not adults that Jesus was primarily concerned with. It was children.
Children are vulnerable and can easily be tempted into sin without even knowing it.
Our Response: Putting Feet to Faith
What are you doing that may be causing a child to stumble?
The age-old debates around modest dress and alcohol are certainly relevant here, but we cannot limit it to those two. None of us are spotless here.
How might you be tempting others (especially children) with your speech; your purchasing decisions; your treatment of people; your choice of entertainment, etc?
Many children are led into sin before they even know it’s sin. The truth is that our freedoms are leading children into bondage.
What are you doing that may be causing a child to stumble?
Let us resolve to be men and women who are willing to sacrifice personal freedoms for the good of others (especially children).
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