The words of Jesus:

“Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. 2 It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 So watch yourselves.” – Luke 17

The little ones? Yes, Jesus is talking about children. They are, as the old hymn says, precious in his sight. How we influence them is important.

Children are naturally innocent – and curious. Innocence is a powerful thing – it keeps us from harm and guards our souls in many ways. That’s why curious teens can get themselves in trouble quickly as they leave some of their innocence behind. They cannot understand the implications of a lost innocence. And we, the adults, are responsible to help them find their way.

So says Jesus – watch yourself in case you become part of the way that children stumble.

Of course sin isn’t a popular topic. I’m not sure I can remember the last time I heard the word sin used in a common everyday sentence. But that’s what is at stake here. Don’t be the one who peddles temptation toward children – or adults for that matter.

But Jesus doesn’t end here. He goes on:

“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. 4 Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” – Luke 17

Forgiveness must also be a part of our daily rhythm. Not always easy when you’ve been hurt, but what’s the option – keep the resentment inside? That’s not a healthy alternative. No Jesus is helping us deal with daily life – the very life that he described as glorifying God. Guarding children, forgiving others, being the person who is known for NOT keeping grudges – that’s someone who glorifies God.

Of course none of this is possible without allowing God to do a work in our hearts – as Ezekiel says, He will give us a new heart, remove our heart of stone, and replace with a heart of love.

So on a Sunday morning as I read this, I thought about how powerless we are to be who we should be without that lifegiving heart transplant.

I hope your heart is good today.