Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones?
Introduction. In a physical sense, many things can cause us to trip, stumble, and fall, potentially hurting ourselves – an uneven sidewalk, an area rug, excited pets, or objects left on the floor at night. Similarly, the Scriptures use the picture of stumbling to show a danger that can turn a person away from God. A spiritual stumbling block may be an obstacle, an enticement, or something disguised and difficult to see.
At the same time, we encounter many things when walking that help us through challenging areas. These may be actual stepping stones across a creek or aids like lights along a darkened path, handrails on the stairs or along a steeper path. Similarly, the Scriptures talk about aids for ourselves and others that help us on our spiritual walk.
A Spiritually Important Topic.
Peter illustrates another danger. He confidently said that he would never stumble because of Jesus, but before the rooster crowed, he denied the Lord three times (Matt. 26:33-34). We must therefore take stumbling seriously. Yielding to temptation, sinning, falling away, and being eternally lost are real dangers. By contrast, spiritual stepping stones help us through rough times, encourage endurance, and keep us on the path to eternal salvation.
Let’s consider this subject from four spiritual perspectives: external stumbling blocks, internal stumbling blocks, stepping stones for ourselves, and becoming stepping stones for others.
External Stumbling Blocks. Some stumbling blocks come from outside us. Wicked people who secretly plot against us, persecutors, worldly media, seducers, intoxicants, false teachers, family, companions, Satan, sudden hardship, and sudden prosperity can all become hindrances on our spiritual journey.
Seducers (including pornography) appeal to immediate desire and can subtly lead a person astray as an ox goes to the slaughter (Prov. 7). Drugs (whether illegal, prescription, or over the counter) and alcohol cloud vision and judgment: “They err in vision, they stumble in judgment” (Isaiah 28:7). False teachers are especially dangerous because they may place a stumbling block before God’s people, as Balaam taught Balak to do (Rev. 2:14).
Even close relationships can become a test of loyalty to Christ. Jesus warned that a person’s enemies may be those of his own household (Matt. 10:35-36), and Paul cautioned, “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33).
Sudden hardship can shake faith; Job provides a familiar example. Sudden good fortune can also become a trap, as shown by the rich farmer in Luke 12:16-21. Anything or anyone that hinders us in our spiritual journey deserves careful attention, because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few find it (Matt. 7:14).
And ultimately behind deception stands the great deceiver, the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world (Rev. 12:9).
Internal Stumbling Blocks. Many stumbling blocks come from within. Desire for false gods, the use of the tongue, lust, pride, rationalization, anger, hurt feelings, and pessimism can well up within us and hinder our walk with God.
Our tongues can easily cause us and others to stumble. James says, “We all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Slander, gossip, and backbiting separate close friends (Prov. 16:28). Harsh criticism stirs up anger, while a soft answer turns away wrath (Prov. 15:1). Christians are also told to do all things without complaining and disputing (Phil. 2:14).
Lies, flattery, profanity, and hasty or excessive talk reveal the condition of the heart. The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in people who are trustworthy (Prov. 12:22). Paul did not use flattering words (1 Thes. 2:5), and he instructed believers to let no corrupt word proceed from their mouths (Eph. 4:29). Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).
Temptation often looks appealing or “too good to be true” as it did to Eve. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are dangers identified in Gen. 3:6 and 1 John 2:16. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall; God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Prov. 16:5, 18; James 4:6).
We also stumble when we rationalize sin, as Adam did when he said, “The woman whom You gave me” (Gen. 3:12). Anger and hurt feelings can take root unless we use discretion and overlook a transgression (Prov. 19:11). Pessimism and the thought “I cannot” can keep us from acting in faith.
We must be alert to anything that rises within us and threatens to hinder our journey.
Using Stepping Stones for Ourselves. In contrast to stumbling blocks, God has provided help for our spiritual journey. His word, prayer, gratitude, holy thoughts, and growth in Christian character can serve as stepping stones when trials and temptations arise.
Gratitude changes our perspective. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus (1 Thes. 5:18). God has blessed His people with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Trials themselves can become stepping stones when received with faith. James tells brethren to count it all joy when they fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces patience. As patience completes its work, believers become mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).
We should also choose thoughts worthy of meditation: whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:8-9). Peter calls Christians to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness to faith. In doing these things, “you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1).
Anything within us that helps our spiritual journey can become a stepping stone in challenging situations.
Being a Stepping Stone for Others. God calls each of us to help others on their spiritual journey. Kindness, support, sensitivity to conscience, hospitality, and gentle firmness enable us to become stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
We become supportive when we seek our neighbor’s good for edification (Rom. 15:2), rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15), and bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). We should consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, comforting and edifying one another (Heb. 10:24; 1 Thes. 5:11).
Sensitivity to another person’s weaknesses and conscience is essential. Paul says not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in a brother’s way (Rom. 14:13). The strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not please themselves (Rom. 15:1). Christian liberty must never become a stumbling block to those who are weak (1 Cor. 8:9, 13).
Hospitality also serves others: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).
At times helping someone requires firmness as well as kindness. Jesus said that if a brother sins, we should rebuke him; if he repents, forgive him (Luke 17:3). When someone is overtaken in a trespass, spiritual people should restore that person in a spirit of gentleness, considering themselves lest they too be tempted (Gal. 6:1).
Anything we can say or do that helps another person on their spiritual journey is a valuable service. As one hymnal song encourages, “Just a small, kindly deed that may cheer another is the work God has planned for you.”
Conclusion. There are many stumbling blocks in the world and within ourselves. “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16). Yet there are also many potential stepping stones as we seek to help ourselves and one another on the journey to salvation. The choice is ours: will we allow obstacles to turn us aside, or will we use God’s help and become a help to others?
At the same time, we encounter many things when walking that help us through challenging areas. These may be actual stepping stones across a creek or aids like lights along a darkened path, handrails on the stairs or along a steeper path. Similarly, the Scriptures talk about aids for ourselves and others that help us on our spiritual walk.
A Spiritually Important Topic.
- “We preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.” (1 Cor. 1:23)
Peter illustrates another danger. He confidently said that he would never stumble because of Jesus, but before the rooster crowed, he denied the Lord three times (Matt. 26:33-34). We must therefore take stumbling seriously. Yielding to temptation, sinning, falling away, and being eternally lost are real dangers. By contrast, spiritual stepping stones help us through rough times, encourage endurance, and keep us on the path to eternal salvation.
Let’s consider this subject from four spiritual perspectives: external stumbling blocks, internal stumbling blocks, stepping stones for ourselves, and becoming stepping stones for others.
External Stumbling Blocks. Some stumbling blocks come from outside us. Wicked people who secretly plot against us, persecutors, worldly media, seducers, intoxicants, false teachers, family, companions, Satan, sudden hardship, and sudden prosperity can all become hindrances on our spiritual journey.
- “Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from violent men, who have purposed to make my steps stumble.” (Psalm 140:4)
Seducers (including pornography) appeal to immediate desire and can subtly lead a person astray as an ox goes to the slaughter (Prov. 7). Drugs (whether illegal, prescription, or over the counter) and alcohol cloud vision and judgment: “They err in vision, they stumble in judgment” (Isaiah 28:7). False teachers are especially dangerous because they may place a stumbling block before God’s people, as Balaam taught Balak to do (Rev. 2:14).
Even close relationships can become a test of loyalty to Christ. Jesus warned that a person’s enemies may be those of his own household (Matt. 10:35-36), and Paul cautioned, “Evil company corrupts good habits” (1 Cor. 15:33).
Sudden hardship can shake faith; Job provides a familiar example. Sudden good fortune can also become a trap, as shown by the rich farmer in Luke 12:16-21. Anything or anyone that hinders us in our spiritual journey deserves careful attention, because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and few find it (Matt. 7:14).
And ultimately behind deception stands the great deceiver, the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world (Rev. 12:9).
Internal Stumbling Blocks. Many stumbling blocks come from within. Desire for false gods, the use of the tongue, lust, pride, rationalization, anger, hurt feelings, and pessimism can well up within us and hinder our walk with God.
- “Because My people have forgotten Me, they have burned incense to worthless idols. And they have caused themselves to stumble in their ways.” (Jer. 18:15)
Our tongues can easily cause us and others to stumble. James says, “We all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Slander, gossip, and backbiting separate close friends (Prov. 16:28). Harsh criticism stirs up anger, while a soft answer turns away wrath (Prov. 15:1). Christians are also told to do all things without complaining and disputing (Phil. 2:14).
Lies, flattery, profanity, and hasty or excessive talk reveal the condition of the heart. The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in people who are trustworthy (Prov. 12:22). Paul did not use flattering words (1 Thes. 2:5), and he instructed believers to let no corrupt word proceed from their mouths (Eph. 4:29). Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34).
Temptation often looks appealing or “too good to be true” as it did to Eve. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are dangers identified in Gen. 3:6 and 1 John 2:16. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall; God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Prov. 16:5, 18; James 4:6).
We also stumble when we rationalize sin, as Adam did when he said, “The woman whom You gave me” (Gen. 3:12). Anger and hurt feelings can take root unless we use discretion and overlook a transgression (Prov. 19:11). Pessimism and the thought “I cannot” can keep us from acting in faith.
We must be alert to anything that rises within us and threatens to hinder our journey.
Using Stepping Stones for Ourselves. In contrast to stumbling blocks, God has provided help for our spiritual journey. His word, prayer, gratitude, holy thoughts, and growth in Christian character can serve as stepping stones when trials and temptations arise.
- “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Gratitude changes our perspective. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2). In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus (1 Thes. 5:18). God has blessed His people with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Trials themselves can become stepping stones when received with faith. James tells brethren to count it all joy when they fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces patience. As patience completes its work, believers become mature and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).
We should also choose thoughts worthy of meditation: whatever is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:8-9). Peter calls Christians to add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness to faith. In doing these things, “you will never stumble” (2 Peter 1).
Anything within us that helps our spiritual journey can become a stepping stone in challenging situations.
Being a Stepping Stone for Others. God calls each of us to help others on their spiritual journey. Kindness, support, sensitivity to conscience, hospitality, and gentle firmness enable us to become stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
- “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32)
We become supportive when we seek our neighbor’s good for edification (Rom. 15:2), rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Rom. 12:15), and bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). We should consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, comforting and edifying one another (Heb. 10:24; 1 Thes. 5:11).
Sensitivity to another person’s weaknesses and conscience is essential. Paul says not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in a brother’s way (Rom. 14:13). The strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak and not please themselves (Rom. 15:1). Christian liberty must never become a stumbling block to those who are weak (1 Cor. 8:9, 13).
Hospitality also serves others: “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9).
At times helping someone requires firmness as well as kindness. Jesus said that if a brother sins, we should rebuke him; if he repents, forgive him (Luke 17:3). When someone is overtaken in a trespass, spiritual people should restore that person in a spirit of gentleness, considering themselves lest they too be tempted (Gal. 6:1).
Anything we can say or do that helps another person on their spiritual journey is a valuable service. As one hymnal song encourages, “Just a small, kindly deed that may cheer another is the work God has planned for you.”
Conclusion. There are many stumbling blocks in the world and within ourselves. “Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren” (James 1:16). Yet there are also many potential stepping stones as we seek to help ourselves and one another on the journey to salvation. The choice is ours: will we allow obstacles to turn us aside, or will we use God’s help and become a help to others?