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Humble Hero
careful we should be not to discourage one of God’s light bearers
and thus intercept the rays He wants to have shine to the world!
Actions like John’s in forbidding someone to work miracles in
Christ’s name might result in causing that person to lose salvation.
Rather than for anyone to do this, said Jesus, “It would be better for
him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown
into the sea.”
Why this strong language? Because “the Son of Man has come
to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10
. Should His
disciples show less regard for the salvation of others than the Majesty
of heaven has shown? How terrible the sin of turning one person
away, so that for him the Savior’s love and agony will have been in
vain.
“Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! Occasions for
stumbling are bound to come.” NRSV. The world will surely oppose
the followers of Christ, but woe to anyone who has taken Christ’s
name and yet is found doing this work. Many are deceived and led
into false paths by those who claim to serve Him but misrepresent
His character.
Anything That Leads to Sin Must Be Put Away
One sin cherished is enough to degrade the character and mislead
others. If we would be willing to cut off a foot or a hand or even
pluck out an eye to save the body from death, how earnest should
we be to put away sin that brings death to the soul!
In the ritual service, salt was added to every sacrifice. Like
the offering of incense, this signified that only the righteousness of
Christ could make the service acceptable to God. Jesus referred to
this when He said, “Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with
one another.” A ll must receive the saving salt, the righteousness of
our Savior. Then they become “the salt of the earth,” restraining evil
among those they meet, as salt preserves from corruption.
Matthew
5:13
. But if “the salt loses its flavor,” the life can exert no saving
influence on the world. Jesus says, “You must be partakers of My
grace in order to be ‘an aroma of life leading to life.’”
2 Corinthians
2:16
. Then there will be no rivalry, no self-seeking, no desire for the
highest place.