Looking out for Stumbling Blocks

I haven't posted in a few days, it's been quite busy this week...we've begun homeschooling our preschoolers and this is VERY time consuming!  It is well worth the effort and I have enjoyed watching my sweet babies grow in learning daily!  This is something the Lord has really spoken to my heart on lately so I wanted to share:


"Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." 1 Corinthians 8:9


Have you ever thought how powerful that is?!? Sometimes, in some situations our actions which may not be sin to us, or to anything explicitly mentioned in scripture, can encourage others to sin.  Some things are harmless to us, they don't bother our conscience or, if we've chosen to follow Christ, they don't alert the Holy Spirit within.  Some of those very same things can be what our brothers and sisters in Christ are struggling with and we can unknowingly or knowingly at times encourage them to stumble in their walk with the Lord.  This IS sin on our part if we're aware of it.  


We're all weak in some areas.  Let's not fool ourselves. However, if someone has made known to you they don't drink, don't have internet or cable, don't watch a certain movie, or read a certain book (etc, etc, etc), do not drive them towards these things if it is clear it violates their conscience.  Recently, my husband did Andy Stanley's series on "Guardrails" for our Sunday School class.  A guardrail in this circumstance is something someone has put in place for themselves to be sure they do not step into the temptation to sin.  This is a PERSONAL guardrail, everyone's may be different.  Be careful not to tempt others to step over their guardrail.  


There is freedom in Christ.  There are necessary life changes to follow Him.  Focus on following God and His Word and be sure to encourage your fellow Christian in his walk.  Steer clear of stumbling blocks in your friendships and associations, and guard yourself from becoming one.  Show love in all you do, "...we know that we all possess knowledge.  Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." 1 Cor. 8:1


PS...I DO plan to get some pictures on here sometime and a little more info!  I'm new to the world of the blog so it's taking me a while! :)