CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 680

“Millstone Jewelry”

Matthew 18:6-10 (NKJV) “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes! … “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.
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You are driving well over the speed limit and suddenly notice the blue lights flashing in your rear view mirror. You did not do your study work and walk into school only to find a pop quiz being handed out. Your boss walks into your office unexpectedly and finds you playing computer games on company time. All these situations cause us to have a “sinking feeling” in the pit of our stomachs. In life there are consequences to our actions and the bad choices we make. God’s Word teaches us that there are eternal consequences as well.

In our reference Scripture, Jesus talks about a sinking feeling that would be better for us to experience over the wrath of God if we cause others to sin, especially little children. The word translated ‘offenses’ in the original Greek is ‘skandalon’ from which we get our English word ‘scandal’. It literally means a trap stick or bent sapling that is used as a snare or to cause someone to trip and stumble.

The tone of Jesus’ words indicates the seriousness of the action of causing others to sin. Remember that people emulate those they look up to and admire. Children are especially impressionable as they seek out and identify with role models. So how do we measure up? Do we cause people to sin? What kind of role model are we?

Language: What comes out of our mouths when we are under stress? What do we say when driving among the crazies in traffic? What do we say when we hit our thumb with a hammer or stub our toe against furniture? Where do elementary school kids learn to ‘cuss like a sailor’?

Attitude: How do we voice or act out our displeasure with those in authority over us? Do we always find fault in others and ‘run it up the gossip flagpole’? Is it OK to tell a small lie? Where do children learn to disrespect authority, deceitfulness, and racial prejudice?

Behavior: Do we abuse alcohol, nicotine, or other drugs? Are we physically or psychologically abusive toward our spouse or children? How are we entertained? What TV, Movies, Books, Magazines, Games and Music do we welcome into our homes and allow our children to watch? Where do playground bullies learn to be abusive toward others?

‘Do as I say and not as I do’ falls on deaf ears. Our lifestyle shouts out a value system that will be emulated by those who look up to us. Our actions speak louder than our words. Will those who emulate us remain pure and innocent? By our attitude, language and behavior are we setting snares that will trip up those around us? Does our lifestyle victimize or evangelize?

Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal to you the areas in your life that need to be sanctified and purified. Seek to live out God’s Word. There is no sinking feeling when we walk the narrow path of God.

Close in prayer, thanksgiving & rededication of your work to the glory of God