Mark 9:42-50
Causing to Sin

⁴²"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. ⁴³If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.^{[3] 45}And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.^{[4] 47}And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ⁴⁸where
" 'their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.'^{[5] 49}Everyone will be salted with fire.
⁵⁰"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

As a parent, I believe my husband and I have the responsibility of leading our children to Christ, and model a godly lifestyle that, hopefully, they will emulate. My main goal in life is to do all I can to help them follow Jesus and live a life pleasing to him.

Now my kids are teenagers, and they are making their own decisions about life. My role now is to continue to guide them, but not force them to choose the exact path I have taken. My role is to pray for them, and to try to be a good example, keeping on my knees on their behalf and reading the Word on a regular basis.

If I exam myself, in the light of the Scripture and with the power of the Holy Spirit, I may see sin exposed. As Jesus says in this passage, I need to cut out the harmful things in my life, even if I enjoy them. For much is at stake--including those who follow me.

- posted by Suzi @ 7:06 AM