Trenton Bulletin 4 February 2001

A Cause To Fall (Paul R. Blake)

"Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way." (Romans 14:13).

Several years ago, a brother and friend came forward during the invitation song to acknowledge that he had done wrong by reacting in an un-Christian manner over unfaithful men who were being used in worship services. Although he was right in principle (erring men should not lead the congregation in worship to God until they have repented), he recognized his own mistake in handling the situation improperly. His conscientiousness was to be commended.

A few days later, a wise brother pointed out that this occurrence represented an occasion where the weak placed a stumbling block before the strong, causing the stronger brother to fall. I had always known that erratic attendance is a stumbling block that leads the weak astray and is a bad influence on the young, but this time the Sunday-morning-only attendees tripped up the devout.

We certainly must be aware of the potential to fall in each of us, regardless of age and strength. The apostle Paul wrote: "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). James wrote: "For we all stumble in many things..." (James 3:2). It is vital that we remain alert to tripping over stumbling blocks.

What is a stumbling block? The name gives it away. Paul told the Romans in 14:13 that it is "a cause to fall." Sins are stumbling blocks to others, not just to the sinner himself. False teaching constitutes a stumbling block. And based on the context of Romans 14, even Divinely granted liberties in matters of individual conscience can become stumbling blocks to others. Anything one does that influences another to commit sin can be called a "stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."

For all intents and purposes, unfaithfulness in attending services is a stumbling block. It teaches the weak and the young in faith that attendance, church work, and Bible study are unimportant and unnecessary to pleasing God with proper Christian growth. It suggests to visitors and non-members that the Lord's church is no different than the denominations of men. Based on the opening illustration, weak attendance can even lead the strong to stumble by means of discouragement, a sense of unfairness, and overwork.

Yet, other practices have proven to be stumbling blocks as well. Debating questionable matters in public Bible classes, matters that due to the nature of the subject and the composition of the class might better be reserved for a private study. It solves nothing and confuses the weak and visitors when professed Christians argue in Bible class over what Jesus wrote in the sand or where Cain got his wife. The weak have enough trouble with the Devil trying to lead them back into the world without the spiritually stubborn and ignorant trying to prove pet doctrines in unrestrained public debate.

I have heard brethren fuss over unrevealed matters in Bible classes to the point where the class itself became a stumbling block. It is incumbent on the teacher to take control in class by turning it away from things that tear down and turn the discussion toward matters that edify and strengthen.

In addition, stubbornness is a stumbling block. Christians who insist on having their own way may be named Bud or Tom or Gerald or Sally or Paul, but their actions spell Diotrephes (3 John 9-10). These, by obstinate attitudes, ultimatums, and threats of leaving the church, have hindered the Lord's work and have caused others to stumble since the first century. Yet, some persist in demanding their own way in all matters to the detriment of their own souls and the souls of others influenced by the controversy. Are they earnestly contending for the faith, or merely being contentious like spoiled children?

Permit me to list some of the ponderous issues over which some feel justified in casting about stumbling blocks: the color of the carpet or the paint on the wall, the temperature of the auditorium, someone who took another's customary seat or parking space, Bible classes that are too early, sermons that are too long, preachers with whom one has a personality conflict, members who bear grudges for imagined insults. The list goes on... and on. What spiritual good is accomplished by demanding one's own way?

Suffice it to say that if any activity of a professed Christian is instrumental in leading another into sin, he needs to cease that action immediately, repent, and then work to restore the one he led into error. God keeps a record of our unrepented stumbling blocks. Do we want to hear Him read it back to us on Judgment Day?

Let us put aside stubbornness and self-will because we respect God's word that instructs us to cast no stumbling block in our brother's way. Do it because we love our brother and want no harm to come to him. After all, isn't that what we expect of him in his treatment of us? "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12). "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren... Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren" (1 John 3:14,16).

"And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil..." (1 Corinthians 13:2-5).

Gossip Town (Selected)

Have you ever been to Gossip Town, On the shores of Falsehood Bay? Where old Dame Rumor with rustling gown Is going the live long day?

It isn't far to Gossip Town; For those who want to go, The Idleness train will carry you down In just an hour or so.

The Thoughtless Road is the popular route, And most folks start that way; But it is a steep downgrade, And if you don't watch out You'll land in Falsehood Bay.

You glide through the tunnel of Vicious Talk, Then into the Valley of Hate; Then crossing the "Add to" bridge, You walk through the city gate.

The principal street is called "They say," And "I've Heard" is the public well; And the breezes that blow from Falsehood Bay Are ladened with "Don't you tell!"

Just back of the town is Tell-tale Park, You are never quite safe while there; For its owner is Madame Suspicious Remark, Who lives on street "Don't Care."

Just back of the park is Slanderer's Row, Twas there that Good Name died; Pierced with a sfaft from Jealousy's bow In the hands of Envious Pride.

From Gossip Town peace long since fled, But trouble and grief and woe And sorrow and care you'll find instead When once you chance to go.

The people who live in Gossip Town All reap the seed they sow; And you will find as they have found If every you chance to go.

Three Gates (From The Arabian)

If you are tempted to reveal A tale to you someone has told; About another, make it pass, Before you speak, three gates of gold.

These narrow gates: First, "Is it true?" Then, "Is it needful?" In your mind Give truthful answer. And the next Is last and narrowest, "Is it king?"

And if to reach your lips at last It passes through these gateways three, Then you may tell the tale, nor fear What the results of speech may be.