Why Can't I?Sample

The Principle of Influence

If every man lived in his own glass jar and no part of his life ever touched anyone else’s, then everyone could do as he wished. But nobody lives a self-contained life. The choices people make for their lives spill over into other people’s lives.

Part of being a mature Christian is realizing that you are constantly influencing others and being careful that you influence them in a positive way. Paul wrote: “Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this not to put an obstacle or a stumbling-block in a brother’s way” (Rom. 14:13).

Paul gave these instructions to some believers in Rome. They were having an argument about meat that had been offered to idols and then sold in the marketplace. Some of the Christians felt it was all right to eat that meat, but others felt it was wrong.

Paul told them, “I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but... if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died” (vv. 14,15).

Was there anything wrong with eating the meat? No. But there was something very wrong with eating it if it really hurt another Christian.

“It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles” (v. 21). Of course, eating meat that has been offered to idols is no longer an issue. But the principle still stands. There are some things you might want to do that would really bother another believer. In that case, according to Paul, you should not do it.

Cain asked the Lord. “Am 1 my brother’s keeper?” (Gen. 4:9). The answer is the same for us as it was for him—“Yes, you really are.”