The vine grew lush and green, winding its way up the the iron cross beams that led to the seats of the stadium. My grandson and his friends sat there watching their younger buddies play football, pulling one leaf at a time and tearing it. This vine seemed harmless at the time but not so harmless later on.
The next day Joshua and some of his friends were miserable from the poison that covered their bodies from the reaction to the SUMAC plant which is a 1st cousin to poison ivy and poison oak.
My grandson Joshua said, “I think I might have tore up one leaf,” when questioned by his dad and mom. This one leaf was poison to Joshua because he is highly allergic to this group of vines. Many of the ones who handled this plant were not affected at all, because it was not a threat to them.
That which is a weakness to one, may not be a threat to another.
A simple beer with friends might be a cool relaxing drink to you, but it is poison to the alcoholic. The large piece of cake with lots of icing might not affect you in any way, but it is poison to the diabetic. The quick trip to the boat and a night of gambling might be only a night of fun for you, but it is poison to the addictive gambler.
You might never know who you are influencing, so the scriptures warn us to be careful.
“Be careful, however that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” 1 Corinthians 8:9.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Have a blessed day!
In Christian love,
Diane