Are You a Stumbling Block?

From that time Jesus began to show His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised up on the third day. Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You." But He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." Matthew 16:21-23 

There is trouble for the person who is a stumbling block.

Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes! Matthew 18:7

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. Romans 14:13

Are you a stumbling block to someone? Are you focusing your attention on yourself or earthly values instead of God and His values? It is so easy to do that today. By our nature we are selfish human being. It is only through God’s grace that we find our way to Him and that He guides our paths. As we live like Jesus wants us to it helps us encourage others. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11-16. Encourage each other. Rejoice always! 

RSVP: Jesus is inviting us to set our minds on God’s interests—on what is important to God. How will you respond to Him today?

Prayer ~ Jesus, help me to keep focused on things that are important to You—treating others kindly and encouraging them to seek You first in their lives. May all that I do, say and think be acceptable to You and bring You glory and honor.

© 2014 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.