because you did

“We thought we could go because you did,”

an older lady shouted to me above the traffic.

I was making a dash against the light on a street in my small Midwest town.  I turned my head and smiled a feeble apology to my fellow pedestrian as she dutifully scurried back to the curb, pulling her companion, who was in a wheel chair. Thankfully, they made it back to the curb before the pick-up truck rushed through the intersection. I beat the truck (I was in heels and a dress) and hopped up on the sidewalk. Safe.

I was on my way to Veni’s Candy Shop to get some dark chocolate salted caramel turtles (yes, please). Since it was my lunch hour, I didn’t have time to waste. I needed to be back to school before my Bible class arrived.  So, I  ignored the do not walk sign and made  a break for it.

I usually follow the rules.

Usually. If they make sense.

If they don’t inconvenience me too much.

What does it matter as long as nobody gets hurt, right?

But my decision to break the rules and dash across the street almost caused someone to get hurt. While I was able to beat the traffic, the older lady and her friend were not. My candy dash could have ended in tragedy.

⁹ But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. 1 Corinthians 8:9

While I was waiting for my sweets to be weighed and bagged, the Holy Spirit  brought to mind my Bible class who had been entrusted to my care for a semester. What were they learning from their teacher? Where was I leading them? Were my actions giving them permission to do something that wasn’t glorifying to God? Were they saying “We thought we could go because you went.” ?

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren knowing that we shall be held to a stricter judgment.” James 3:1

All of us are leaders.

What we do affects others, and our example influences others for good or evil. Someone is watching you to see how you will handle yourself in the sticky situation you are facing. Where will you lead them? Where will they go because of where you went?

Have you had a similar experience? Leave me a comment below, I’d love to hear from you!

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