5 Ways to Avoid Stumbling

In today’s world, I often wonder if Christians have the same outlook. Do we desire to not stumble? Do we care to live a life that honors the Lord? Or do we take advantage of the grace of God by living a lifestyle of sin? I believe the Lord wants to us to take a moment of self-evaluation and ask ourselves if our actions are leading us to death and if we’ve fallen victim to the pressures of the world around us. If we can be intentional about following God wholeheartedly in all our ways, I believe we will experience the “light of life” that David speaks of in Psalm 53:16. 

The truth is, we have been called to be ambassadors for Christ. This is not a flippant title but one that signifies a weighty responsibility. An ambassador is one who represents the epitome of what their country stands for and against. Thus, an ambassador’s action or inaction can directly impact how people view the country altogether. Being a representative of God’s kingdom is no easy task but requires us to be different and see our every choice as an opportunity to share who God is. 

In other words, the choice to be aware of our weaknesses not only affects us but also the world around us. The Lord has called us to be a shining example of His love to others. Yet, before we can help others, we must consider where our heart's priorities lie. 

What we say is very important. The Bible is clear, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Proverbs 18:21). If we want to keep our feet from stumbling, we must guard the tongue. In James 3:5, we are reminded that a single poor choice of words can be likened to the start of a forest fire. Without guarding our mouth, we can expect to experience many troubles in our lives. Making the choice to gossip, belittle others, curse, create discord, or be deceptive can not only cause us much pain but also hurt others. 

In our current society, we mustn’t only watch the words that come out of our mouth but also what we speak online or via written communication. I have seen time and time again that Christians who are passionate about a specific topic can turn into internet bullies. Before long, one controversial post can solicit Christians from all over the world to gang up on another person. 

Versus sharing their convictions in love, they use harsh words and even condemn people to hell. We must remember in these moments that it's okay to be passionate and to defend the gospel. Yet, if we’ve become so angry that we are no longer representing Christ well, it would be better to pause and say nothing. For this reason, James 1:19 implores us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. We truly never know who is on the “other side of the screen” witnessing the words that we use toward others. If we want to keep from stumbling, we must use our words carefully.

“Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” James 3:5-6

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Our modern society has granted us the ability to access thousands of television shows, movies, and social media posts in an instant. Truthfully, very few shows are created to help your spiritual condition. Instead, many glorify behavior that contradicts God’s word. From reality shows with quarreling housewives, to shows that make witchcraft and talking to the dead acceptable, a Christian must be mindful of what they are intaking. Although we may feel we’re strong enough to interact with media that is overly sexual, demonic, or full of vile behavior, we will quickly find ourselves mimicking what we see. I am a firm believer that the biblical passage that says, “Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character'” applies to the media we allow to influence us as well (1 Corinthians 15:33). 

Jesus says it like this, “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!" Matthew 6:22-23

In other words, how can we expect to walk in light when we are allowing our eyes to be flooded with darkness? How can we expect to not fall into temptation when we are bombarded with images that oppose our faith? Although it may feel restrictive to monitor what you watch, I believe the Lord asks us to be mindful of this area because He knows how easily humans can fall into temptation. Chances are, if you feel uneasy watching it, the Lord is speaking to you that it’s causing more damage than good. Rather than dismiss this caution from the Holy Spirit let us be wise enough to discern and turn away from anything that may cause us to stumble.

Much like we should protect our eyes, we should also be mindful of what we listen to. Do you listen to gossip? Are you constantly inundated with music that is profane or demeaning? Do you listen to podcasts that are dishonoring to God or cause you to feel fearful? Perhaps you have friends who are exceedingly negative and who doubt Christianity altogether. 

Whatever the case may be, I have to often ask myself what I’m allowing to be spoken into my life. I find what or who I choose to listen to has a direct impact on how I think. For instance, there were times I was suddenly worried about my physical safety and health. When I thought over the previous days, it was clear that I had been around people who were overwhelmed by a recent diagnosis and even that I had been listening to murder mystery podcasts! It's clear that my sudden anxiety was a result of my environment.

I believe the power of sound is displayed clearly in the verse that says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17). The more we hear the Word of God, the more our faith arises! Yes, what we hear is important! We get to choose if we want to have faith-filled ears or ears that are tuned to hatred, impurity, fear, or anything else of this world.

We can protect our ears by playing worship music we enjoy in our homes or listening to podcasts that inspire us to be of great character. May we keep our ears tuned to hear what is honoring to the Lord and reject anything that contradicts His truth.

"Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding." Proverbs 2:1-3

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As practical as it may sound, avoiding temptation can be very difficult. The truth is that being greedy, participating in gossip, and being sexually immoral may solicit initial pleasure. In many ways, we can become addicted to and drawn to the temptations of this world. Yet, as Christians, we are no longer slaves to sin; we can be free. Though we will be tempted, we can be assured that the Lord is present to help us. 

1 Corinthians makes it clear that we will face temptation. However, we each have the opportunity to make a choice when the situation arises.

"The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Yes! The Lord will provide a way out. This is an amazing promise from the Lord. Yet, we should also seek ways to avoid temptation, when possible. For instance, the unmarried couple can avoid premarital sex by planning their dates in public versus private. A person who struggles with drunkenness could not allow alcohol in their home. One who is prone to gambling can make a choice to no longer frequent casinos. By taking intentional steps, we can place ourselves in a better position when temptations come. 

As Christians, we are called to be aware that there is a real enemy. He would love nothing more than to get you off track, overwhelmed, and trapped into sin. Remember, the enemy desires to kill, steal, and destroy. Let’s be purposeful about not giving the devil the opportunity to do so as it pertains to our spiritual life. 1 Peter 5:8 says it like this, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Let us be aware of the schemes of the enemy and run from temptation rather than give in.

Although we will never be perfect, we can each be aware of how we are walking out our faith. We can make the choice to be led by the Spirit, not the flesh. When we allow the Lord to lead, we can be assured that He will not let us stumble. 

"The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand." Psalm 37:23-24