Christian Living

The Speed Bumps

by paul hoffmaster
05/26/26
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One of the reasons Christians hesitate to open their Bibles is that they realize, as they peruse the white pages, they are bound to hit a speed bump that will cause them to feel uncomfortable.  The best way for them to avoid that experience is to keep the Bible’s binder intact. 

Jesus said that in life we will experience challenges to our faith, but He warns about the Believer being the offender.  Jesus doubles down by specifying that if the offense is initiated against a new Christian, it would be better for him if a weight was fastened around his neck and thrown into the sea. (Luke 17: 1, 2)  A new convert will draw more from a veteran of the faith than he will from a pastor’s sermon.  What he sees and hears from established Christians will have either a positive or negative effect.  Some people will claim foul, for they believe they should not be judged or even observed when it comes to their faith.  Jesus said we are a light that should be displayed for all to see, not to be hidden under a basket. (Matthew 5:14-16)  There is no such thing as a secret service Christian.  Christianity is not a game, but a lifestyle for all to see.  Some believe that it is not right to require that they cross all their T’s and dot all their i’s. They claim people should follow Jesus and not them, yet our lives should show Christ in us.  The Apostle Paul urged people to imitate him. (I Corinthians 4:16)  If we leave open areas in our Faith walk, we could lose our influence on the new Believer or those riding the fence of indecision. 

Another speed bump is when we are called to deal with a “brother” who sins or offends us.  We are called to challenge his accusations, and if he asks for forgiveness, we are to forgive him.  If he continues to offend us “seven times in a day,” and says he is sorry, we are to forgive him. (Luke 17:3, 4)  It is referred to as going the extra mile. (Matthew 5:41)  How many times have we said, either consciously or unconsciously, he fooled me once and even twice, but he will not fool me again?  Some people will forgive while thinking about how to get even, or offer forgiveness, but not forget.

When the Disciples heard these sayings, they asked Jesus to increase their Faith. (Luke 17:5)  I imagine that that is our number one request after we engage a speed bump.  Some of these challenging teachings need a booster shot of Faith.

I remember going through some painful medical corrections.  It was not fun, but I realized that the result would be beneficial.  It was like a grin and bear it experience.  Some of God’s Word may seem too challenging, but with the Holy Spirit’s help, we can handle it.  Jesus also tells us about being yoked with Him.  As we take Jesus’s yoke upon ourselves, He will walk with us through the difficult sayings. (Matthew 11:29)  Instead of avoiding the challenging teachings, approach them with a willingness to learn and understand.  You will not be disappointed!