🕊️ PRAY HERE DEVOTION 🕊️ The Consequences of Hindering Others

Scripture: Luke 17:1–3 (KJV)

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves…”

Devotion: Let’s say you have a friend. You convince them that it’s okay to smoke or drink “just to take the edge off.” You tell them, “You’ll be fine. It’s not that serious.”

What started as casual turns into dependency. What started as “fun” becomes addiction. Their life spirals. Now their marriage is suffering, their health is declining, their finances are drained ; and it all started with influence.

You didn’t force them.

You just suggested it.

You normalized it.

You influenced it.

Now let’s bring it closer to church.

What if a fellow sister or brother begins backbiting and talking so negatively about another member that when that person is leading, speaking, or serving, the congregation already has a bad taste in their mouth? They don’t receive the Word. They don’t support the service. That person feels rejected and discouraged. They start shrinking back from their calling.

All because someone planted seeds.

Or what about a spouse who constantly mocks prayer, belittles church attendance, or says, “You don’t have to do all that God stuff.” Over time, that pressure weakens the other spouse’s fire. They stop going. They stop praying. They start compromising.

That is hindering.

We often don’t see the harm in influencing others just by words, tone, or suggestion. It’s a “free country,” right? People can say and post whatever they want.

True.

But according to Jesus, if you say or do anything that causes someone to turn away from God, stop trying to live right, or fall back into sin ; that is causing someone to stumble.

And some may say, “They’re grown. I didn’t make them do it.”

But if you influenced it, suggested it, normalized it, or modeled it ; you carry weight in that fall.

Now let’s look at how Jesus feels about this.

Luke 17:1–3 (KJV)

“…woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea…”

That is serious.

Jesus is saying offenses will happen. Temptation will come. Life will test people. But woe , deep sorrow and judgment , to the one who becomes the reason someone falls.

He didn’t say it’s unfortunate.

He didn’t say it’s understandable.

He said it would be better to be drowned with a heavy stone around your neck.

That’s how strongly He feels about harming someone’s faith.

You do not want to be responsible for the spiritual demise of another person.

There’s even a scripture in Romans that warns us not to even do certain things in front of others if it will cause them to stumble. If you are comfortable doing something questionable, but someone around you is recovering, growing, or newly converted ; don’t flaunt it.

Don’t be their stumbling block.

Basically, if your actions take you away from right standing with God, don’t drag others down with you.

Our words carry weight.

Our posts carry weight.

Our influence carries weight.

At the end of the day, we should all be careful to do what is right in His eyesight daily. Choose to serve the Lord and help others get to Him ; not away from Him.

We will not be the reason someone else falls.

They could lose their life ; spiritually or physically.

Prayer: Father, examine my words, my influence, and my example. If I have ever caused someone to stumble, forgive me. Help me to be a light and not a stumbling block. Guard my mouth, my actions, and my influence. Let my life draw people closer to You, not push them away.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.