03/02/2017 - DO NOT SCANDALIZE

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Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God. I Corinthians 10.32

Not only the adulterers, the corrupt, the thieves and other criminals cause the Church of the Lord and society to be scandalized with their bad deeds.  Even many brothers have permitted to be used in such cases.  Why is it that some of those saved do not live according to their position in Christ, and allow themselves to be led into temptation?  We must take care of the good Name we have been entrusted.  Furthermore, even those who flog their fellow servants may become defendants in the Judgment.

A lot more is expected of the members of the Body of Christ than of others.  Therefore, as Jesus taught, our righteousness has to by far exceed that of the scribes and the Pharisees – those that were considered and tried to appear righteous, even though their efforts were pure hypocrisy (Matthew 5:20).  If the saved do not obey God’s laws, who will?  Be prepared, as the eternal judgment will start in the house of God and will be without mercy.

We cannot expect from the lost, any of the moral standards which we, the saved and servants of God have an obligation to obey and to follow truthfully.  After all, only those who were born again are no longer under the rule of the kingdom of darkness and therefore can resist and over-come temptations.  Our example of conduct can be one of the greatest messages that the lost can perceive from the Lord.  So ask God for the grace of good behavior.  

Undoubtedly many of the lost put forth great effort to live straight, which they succeed at for a time; however, when the temptation comes prepared and ready from Hell, only those who have the spirit of God have the capacity to overcome and not be subject to the will of the enemy.  One of the secrets to not ceding to the devil’s demonstration is to walk in the Spirit – for this way you will not give in to the lustfulness – the unbridled desires – of the flesh.

It is undeniable and unavoidable that the scandals do rise.  Jesus warned: Woe to the man by whom the offence cometh (Matthew 18:7b).  Whoever collaborates or causes a child that believes in the Lord to stray from the faith, will certainly pay a high price; too high!  For such person it would be far better to be tossed into the sea with a heavy stone tied to his or her neck.  However, why pay any price if the option is to be rewarded by the just Judge?

We must keep watch and pray because the devil’s intention is to do whatever is necessary to inflict us great loss.  If he can use our life to collaborate with a scandal, he certainly will harm us as greatly he can not only now but for all eternity.  Those who obey and serve God with prudence and simplicity will never be involved in actions that would embarrass them in the Day of the Lord; on the contrary they will be victorious on the day of the beloved savior’s return.

For somebody to try hard to believe in the miraculous operation of God is not sufficient in order to be happy in eternity.  Even if they received many miracles, if they participate in something offensive or cause a child of God to lose faith and to stray, the righteousness they practice all during their lives will be of no help to them.  Live with your sights set on the eternal reward! 

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares