Just Because You Can Does Not Mean You Should
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Just Because You Can Does Not Mean You Should

If our actions could hurt one of His children it is never worth it.

11
Just Because You Can Does Not Mean You Should
wallpaperlayer

A few months ago a close friend and I were in the car on the way back from a Bible study. There is a spot where our off ramp becomes an on ramp for another highway and we are supposed to merge. At the same time, the exact same thing is happening with another off ramp and they are supposed to yield to my on ramp as we all try to merge onto the highway. This particular day, as our off ramp reached the spot the other off ramp connects to it, a semi truck decided it would in fact not yield and continued driving toward the highway. As it continued to drive towards my passenger door, I hit my breaks and pulled the car towards the guard rail on my left, while I waited for the semi truck to pass.

I was not supposed to have to yield for that semi, but I did. I could have continued driving and let the semi crash into the passenger side and risk my friend's life. I could have easily said it was the truck driver's fault because he sped up past that yield sign and into my lane. It would not have been my fault. But that would have been incredibly stupid! I was perfectly capable of stopping and keeping everyone safe even though I did not "have to".

Sometimes, as Christians, we find ourselves in scenarios where we have to yield for other people. In Romans, Paul talked about choosing not to do things because of how it would effect other people. Take a look at these three verses:

~Romans 14:15 "If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died."

~Romans 14:19 "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification."

~Romans 14:21 "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall."

We can pretty easily get the point that we should not be doing something if it will hurt a brother or sister in Christ. It would have been very difficult for a Jewish convert to see Gentile, or even other Jewish believers eating certian types of meat. While it is not a sin, it would have been a stumbling block for someone else. That is reason enough, according to these verses, to yield to what that person needs.

In Matthew 18:6, Jesus says "But whoever causes the downfall of one of these little ones who believe in Me--it would be better for him if a heavy millstone were hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea!" He takes this pretty seriously. If our actions could hurt one of His children it is never worth it to do it. No matter how okay we believe it is. Yielding to other believers like this may not always feel fair or make sense but it is something our Lord is serious about. Why not obey Him in this?



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41597
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26083
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951378
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

135114
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments