[Jesus said] “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into shell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire. Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:42-50 ESV).
Mary and I have reached the stage in our lives where it is much easier to help each walk. Mary has developed Neuropathy and uses a cane to walk, though she can still be a bit wobbly. I’ve just gotten older and often find it very helpful to hold on to her for stability. I suppose there are those who might giggle a bit at the sight of us walking together, me carrying her purse and holding on to her while we walk along slowly and cautiously avoiding a fall. I do know it is very encouraging knowing we have each other to hold on to.
Our reading today uses a similar image as Jesus cautions His disciples not to cause someone to stumble in their spiritual journey. Causing someone else to stumble in their faith could be devastating. Jesus took it so seriously that he said it would be better to tie a giant rock around your neck and drown than to cause someone to stumble. I’ve worked with people of all ages for many years, and while I’ve been a mentor and role model to many. My great hope is that everything I’ve taught and modeled has helped them not to stumble. This is especially true of the younger people.
Our calling as followers of Christ is to walk with others who are journeying the same way we are. We support each other in our faith. We strive to be there when questions are asked. We try to be a shoulder to cry on and a partner to laugh with. We journey together. Jesus reminds us to be a support for others rather than causing them to stumble or fall. We must also watch out for the things in our life that can cause us to stumble. Are you helping others in their journey?