When you stumble
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body (Jas.3.2).
James stated that we all stumble in many things. Do you agree with this statement? While his focus isn’t about stumbling, it is instructive to note that the posture we take when others stumble is a reflection of our understanding of this statement. Do you gloat over people’s failure? Do you use the occasion of their fall to judge them? Every fall is a reminder of your own humanity and fallability.
Though people are usually taken by surprise by a fall of a person, God is not usually surprised. Since the fall of Adam, God has always risen to the occasion to offer covering for the fallen and downtrodden. Rather than express shock at a fall, God warns ahead of time. A fall is not a demonstration of God’s punishment but a neglect of likely pitfalls on the path of the righteous. “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again”. It’s usually God’s expectation that the righteous take heed so as not to fall.
Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand (Rom.14.4).
The desire to judge others even when they fall is discouraged because they are not in your service. Their fall should be a reminder of your need to stand firm. Because “if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
© Olusola John