Common Sense

When we let people do what they want, is that the same as leading them astray?

‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe to the world because of stumbling-blocks! Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to the one by whom the stumbling-block comes! - Matthew 18:6-7

When I was growing up, my parents made it clear to me that there were some things that were just plain wrong.  The world was becoming much more liberated, and people were trying all sorts of things, from sex to drugs, but we were taught to resist.

If you believe it is wrong to get others to abandon what they believe to try something different, how would you ever get anything done as a group?

There is a distinction we need to make between right and wrong here.  It may be wrong to get someone to try drugs, for example, but not wrong to provide medication for an illness.

What if the person gets addicted to the medication?

Is that causing them to stumble?

One drink may be all it takes to ruin an alcoholic.  If you know they are an alcoholic, it is not a nice thing to do.

It may be that in the future, we will learn so much about the human genome, that we will know who is susceptible to what influences.  Then it will be clear who should stay clear of what things.

Then, the outcome will be known beforehand and there will be no excuse for those who try to get us to try something harmful. 

You wouldn't give nuts to someone who is allergic.

So, for Jesus' warning to be understood by all, we need to be responsible and knowledgable about the consequences of our actions.  Then, when we know what is harmful to others, we can avoid them.

Sounds like common sense for most things, doesn't it?

Maybe that's what we need more of.

More to come...