[467 words]
The Bible teaches that judgment day is coming. On this future and final day, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of the things we have done in our bodies (2 Corinthians 5:10). The Scriptures reveal that we will be judged individually and personally: “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). We will not be judged as a church, a family, or any group. Rather, we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ—alone.
However, this does not mean that we are exempt from being judged for how we have impacted the lives of others. Every person has influence. We can influence our friends and families in a positive way by setting a Christ-like example for them to follow. We can also exert a negative influence on our friends and families by leading them into sin. If we, by a poor example influence others to sin, we will be held accountable. Yes, we will be judged according to our own personal deeds, but also by the way we have influenced others.
Jesus warned, “It is impossible but that offenses will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:1-2). Imagine how terrible it would be to have a huge stone tied around your neck and then for you to be thrown into the depths of the sea. As tragic as that would be, it would still be better than facing the consequences of causing someone else to sin.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Romans 14:13). You would not want to place an obstruction in the path of a friend or family member because the obstruction could cause him to fall and be seriously injured; perhaps, breaking a bone or sustaining other painful injuries. By this same line of reasoning, we should never place a spiritual obstruction that would cause others to fall into sin. If we do, we will be held responsible on judgment day.
In view of these thoughts, each one should ask: Am I living in such a way that others could safely imitate my example? Do I tempt others by dangling temptation before them? Do my words, clothing, actions, habits, priorities, and overall daily conduct serve as a stepping-stone to higher ground, or a stumbling block, causing others to slip and fall? These are things to consider in view of the coming judgment.
Mark Lindley
Chapman Church of Christ
Ripley, MS