A L M A C I A S

LASTING IMPRESSIONS

We live in a world that is so much influenced by the impressions of others. From the time we are born, we are being impressed by those around us either for the good or for the bad. We find this also happening throughout the pages of the Holy Scriptures. People were greatly impressed by Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Caleb, Samuel, and by so many others. What kind of impressions are we giving to others? In the book of Matthew, the Lord made reference to some who were impressing others to do that which was not good. In Matthew 18:6,7, we read, "But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" As we analyze this passage of Scripture, what is it that the Lord warned would be a very serious sin for us to commit? The sin mentioned here is that of impressing others or influencing them in such a way that they would commit sin.

Causing others to sin is one of the most terrible things that anyone could ever do. To the Jews, drowning was one of the most terrible deaths one could ever suffer. This is why the Lord said that even this kind of death would be better than what would be awaiting such a person in eternity. The Lord did make it clear that it would not be possible for anyone to escape being tempted in this world. In fact, He said that offences would come, but woe to those who were the cause of these temptations. Have you ever wondered how many peoples are looking at us as we go through the day? What do they see in the way we conduct ourselves? Do they see an example worthy of being imitated, or do they see an example that is altogether contrary to the will of God. One of the things that was said of the Christians of the first century were that they loved one another. Could the world say that about us today? In some places, what would be said of the Christians of today would be, "Oh, how they hate one another!" Let us be very careful of how we are impressing others and be sure that it is always to the good.