Cause or Care

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF MARK

CAUSE OR CARE

Mark 9:42

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.

NIV

Jesus is saying a whole bunch of things right in a row, that is some way are all connected, yet in another way seem to be independent thoughts. This statement is actually the continuation the comments about becoming child-like being accepting of the children. It would seem that these children are not sinless, for we know that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, yet it is clear that we should not be the type of people who mistreat children, not that any of us do, but there has to be some truth here. It is the responsibility of parents and other adults to lead a life which is an example to children. All too often children today who may not have a father use some sport star as a model for behavior. Certainly that may not be the best, as we have seen so many of those sports figures living a life not suitable as an appropriate role model. But there are also parents who refuse to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior; in fact, there are people who profess atheism, gay rights, pro-choice and other anti-biblical principles who raise their children with those professions. It would seem Jesus is speaking directly to that kind of situation. Yet we should also consider all of us who are believers. Do we act or behave in any way which would actually cause our children to sin? Do we act or behave in any way which would cause any little child to sin? Do we live an appropriate lifestyle suitable as a role model for children to use? Now does that mean we make a checklist like the choir lists with give them? Does that mean we teach them all about the rules and regulations of the denomination? Or would this imply that we should show them how to live by faith? Does this imply that if we lead our children to live by the standards of this world, the needs to pursue a higher education, so as to obtain a great position, become successful, gain material wealth, store it up for the future, that we have in fact caused them to sin? It would be far better for us to teach them to trust Jesus, to live a life pleasing to him. Whatever the world has to offer, it is only temporary, but what Jesus has to offer is eternal. The scripture which declares a father who does not provide for his family is worse than an infidel might well mean about shelter, food and clothing, but it surely also can mean about providing his family an eternal home. The father who provides for the spiritual well-being of his family does not cause his children to sin, as the father who provides only shelter, clothing and food, but offers not hope for an eternal future. Causing children to sin is leading them into the world, caring for the children is leading them to Jesus. So do we cause or care?