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Christians Must Not Cause Others To Sin

Jesus once said, “But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife for any reason except sexual immorality causes her to commit adultery….” (Matthew 5:32). Here it is assumed that the put away woman will enter an unlawful sexual relationship and thus bear her own guilt for the outcome. But the man who puts her in a position where such an outcome is likely, is also responsible. He “causes her to commit adultery.”

In Romans 2:24, Paul tells the Jews that “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” This did not excuse blasphemy on the part of the Gentiles, but those who caused it were likewise held accountable, and God’s name was discredited by both.

Such above statements should make us aware of our responsibility toward those about us. As Christians, our obligation is to see that we are not the cause of their sin. When we “do our thing,” it is often at the expense of some one else’s moral downfall.

For example, any filthy talk, indecent dress, or parties condoning any kind of immorality cannot be laughed off with a flippant “Well, it’s my soul, and I’ll do whatever I want with it.”

Our society is governed by law and a police force to protect it from irresponsible persons whose ungodliness is destructive to life and property. Spiritually mature followers of Christ know they must accept some responsibility for their neighbor (Gal. 6:2: cf. Romans 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14), for unrestrained freedom quickly becomes the worst form of slavery as we become victims of our own folly.

But until we learn to accept a moral responsibility as well — to be concerned for our neighbor’s spiritual well-being (Gal. 6:1-2), our society will continue to suffer. A police state strong enough to protect us from a completely immoral citizenry, would be self-defeating slavery.

Christians who practice godly living toward others, are examples of good and right rather than examples of darkness. The bottom line is: We must not cause others to sin (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:4-13; Romans 14:14-21).