A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 9:42)

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)

In Mark 9:42 Jesus spoke about the serious nature of offending one who is young in the faith. In his words, it would be better to be drowned than to cause another to stumble. Leadership is serious business. We influence people for better or for worse. Taking advantage of another’s vulnerability after trust has been built brings negative consequences to everyone involved. The one wronged is not only set up for failure but also becomes hardened against future influence. Those who commit an offense destroy their credibility and souls in the process. Anyone observing the tragedy is an easy target for cynicism. Consider carefully your words when correcting another. Check your attitude before you judge. Young people are pliable and easily influenced. Crucial decisions made at an early age affect them for the rest of their lives and on into eternity. Serving leaders wisely invest with well-timed encouragement.

KEY QUESTIONS: Who currently trusts me completely and would be severely wounded by a breach in our relationship? How might offending others through my leadership differ from wronging them? How might I prevent an offense from creating cynicism in bystanders? When should I not defend myself or seek to clear a misunderstanding?