Sensitivity to those around me

Job 35, 36; 1 Corinthians 7,8

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 8: 9Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.

Observation:
Paul was instructing the church of Corinth to guard their lifestyle and to watch out from becoming stumbling blocks to those around them. They lived in a city where culture, art's modernization was huge, yet idol worship still continued. Christianity was the new belief in the city, as as the new faith, the church had to be wise and a witness to those around them.

Application:
There is a fine balance between doing whatever you want and being a testimony. It is so easy to cause others to stumble. A simple argument with your wife over milk in the grocery store, to watching your favorite actor in a action R-Rated film, to being pulled over in the evening for speeding, to eating at an expensive restaurant, to driving a nice car. Simple things that to you have no me have no true meaning but to others can be seen as a stumbling block. God has not called me to follow Him walking on egg shells, but He has given me the Holy Spirit to warn me when I might be offending or causing someone to stumble. Discernment is crucial to any leader. The Holy Spirit will keep me in check and guard my heart. That is why prayer and devotions are so critical in my life. I need to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit and obey when He places a check in my heart. I am not perfect, but humility and sensitivity to those around me, will take me far.

Prayer:
Lord thank You for the Holy Spirit in my life and for the blessing of not walking alone. I pray for wisdom and discernment to know Your will and Your ways. I pray for favor today and wisdom to make the right choices. Give me the ability to lead like Jesus today. Bless my team and refresh us. Holy Spirit I ask You to guide me and to help me to pick up when I'm causing others to stumble. I know I will never make everyone happy, but I pray that through You I will point many to Jesus. Bless my wife today and all her ventures. Bless my friend Josh and his family, bless my parents and family back home and watch over them. Thank You for a new day and for washing me clean through your grace and mercy.
Amen.