Causing Scandal

When we hear the word, “scandal”, especially in a Christian context, we tend to think about the recent scandals involving those in the clergy.  The fact is that we can cause scandal in the everyday lives.  Whereas, we may not make any news headlines, the scandal we cause by our practices or by those with whom we consort are no less serious. Simply put, giving scandal are those things we do that tempt others to sin.

Causing scandal may include the cohabitation of a couple outside of marriage.  Even if the couple vows not to engage in marital relations, their public example might lead others who don’t have that same sense of abstinence to engage in morally devastating behavior.

Another way a person might give scandal is in their personal lives is by the company they keep.  It is one thing to keep company with others who might be living immorally because we are trying to be a good influence on them.  It is quite another to publicly consort with them and simply ignore their scandalous behavior, all in the name of tolerance.  The great Catholic philosopher, G.K. Chesterton once quipped that, “Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions.”

Let’s face it – scandal is usually cause by the sinful behavior of those closest to us.  Not many people will follow a complete stranger from a Godly life into a life of morally reprehensible behavior.  Reluctantly or not, we usually follow those whom we love and respect.  They have the most influence over us.  Coaxing those close to us to engage in sinful behavior by telling inappropriate jokes or stories, excessive drinking, frequenting strip clubs or other morally bankrupt places are some of the ways that we give scandal to the Body of Christ. 

We are representatives of Christ - children of God.  We have been redeemed by the blood of Christ which means that he has paid a price for us (Acts 17:11, 1 Cor. 6:20, 1 Cor. 7:23).  We do not belong to ourselves, but to God Himself and we should behave accordingly.  We cannot give scandal to the Church unless we are part of it.  As members of the Church, which is the Body of Christ (1 Cor. 12), we must remember that not only are we surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1), God knows what is in our hearts (Gen. 6:5, Prov. 15:3, 1 Kings 8:39, Jer. 17: 9) and has issued a severe warning to those who would lead others into sin (Matt. 18:6-7).