Stumbling Blocks
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Dear friend,
There are several ways that people may put stumbling blocks in the way of others. A stumbling block is something lying in the path, over which the unwary pedestrian falls. Applied in a moral or spiritual sense — it means anything which interferes with the earnest, straightforward and happy Christian life of others. I suppose the thought usually in mind is: anything that influences another to be less faithful in duty, or which makes it harder for another person to live a Christian life.
As you suggest, we can put stumbling blocks in the way of others, by inconsistencies in our own life. For example, if parents are not faithful as Christians, do things they ought not to do, or leave undone things they ought to do — they are apt to hurt the lives of their children who are growing up under their influence. The very best instruction, the most faithful teaching, will not avail — if the life of the parent or teacher does not, at least in very large measure, corroborate and confirm the lessons.
The application may be made to all Christian people in the community. We are the representatives of Christ. The world cannot see Christ, and it does not read the Bible — and, therefore, does not know just what it is that Christ requires. We are required to live so, that in our lives, the world may learn what Christ is. If we stumble, therefore — that is, if we do not live as we should do — we hurt the cause of Christ in those who are watching us, and, besides, do harm to those who, probably, if our example were different — might be led to follow Christ themselves.
I think you have heard me tell this incident of Miss Havergal. Just after having been confirmed in an Episcopal church she went to a large girls school, with a heart full of love for the Savior, and with a mind intent upon faithfully witnessing for him. But she was startled to learn that she was the only Christian in all the hundred girls in the institution. All the rest were worldly, high-society girls, with no thought of Christ. Her first feeling was that she could not confess Christ among those girls. Her second and better thought, however, was that she could not but confess him. "I am the only one Christ has in this school," she said. This made her very strong, and, sustained by the grace of Christ, she went on quietly confessing her Savior in all her disposition and life, as well as by her words — deeply influencing in time all the school. If she, being the only Christian in the school, had lived carelessly, as so many girls do when they are away from home — she would have been a stumbling block in the way of the others.
There are other ways in which we may become stumbling blocks. I suppose whatever in us, whether in act or word, discourages another, makes life harder for another — puts a stumbling block in the other's way. It seems to me we should all live, so as to be helpful to others in every possible way. If one of our friends is carrying a heavy burden, and we say something which discourages him, or makes it harder for him to walk with his heavy load on his shoulder — is not that a stumbling block cast in his way? Just so, unkindness to others, make stumbling blocks. Whatever in us, in our acts, or in our words, makes it harder for other people to live — is a stumbling block which we cast in their way.
I am very glad indeed to learn what you say about your friend who has come into your life, and with whom you are enjoying such pleasant fellowship. Evidently your prayer has been answered. You will be very helpful to each other, the one encouraging the other. No privilege is sweeter than that of kneeling, side by side, with one whom we love, and praying together for each other and for our families and friends and for our church and for the interests of God's kingdom. I am very glad indeed, that God has heard your prayer and has brought you two together in such pleasant and cordial relations. You remember there is a special promise which says, "If two of you shall agree" — so you see this gives you added power in prayer. If you two agree to ask God for anything, the promise is doubly strong that he will grant your request.
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