Dangerous Little Members of the Body of Christ

Watch Out! See to it that you do not offend the little members that are in the church, which belongs to the Body of Christ.

The Lord Jesus warns us about the little ones (members of the church) who believe in him. These little ones pose no danger in itself but rather there is danger involve directly to anyone that, because of their (the spiritual matured members) carelessness and ignorance, causes these little ones to sin.

But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Matt 18:6

Who are these little ones that believe?

 The little children – Jesus loves the little children and if not anyone has a heart for them is in danger. Parents in particular must take care of their children. Eph 6:4 said, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord”.

 The Babes in Christ – Note 1 Cor 8:7-13, it concerns about the newly convert to Christ. Those who are “knowledgeable in Christ” must be very careful on them. For instance, if they offer food that seems distasteful for you, it is better just to eat it and be quiet. But if you refuse and speak unpleasantly about the food they offered that is sin.

 The Poor - We must be very careful not to look down on them, despise them and insult them. Whether rich or poor, don’t show partiality or favoritism.

Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. James 2:5-6

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. James 2:8-10

Among others that considered little ones in the church, are the widows who have no more family to take care of them and the orphans.

The bible describes the Church similar to a physical body that consists of weak parts. God created the church in that same fashion, there are weak parts (members) includes in the Body of Christ that need to give careful and special attention.(1 Cor 12:23-27)

Those matured in Christ must be the instrument to encourage them and edify them. They should not be neglect of their needs specially the poor, the fatherless and the widows. (Jam 1:27; Jam 2:14-16)