Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10
I am often bothered by what seems to me petty arguments and eventually what boils down to a non-Biblical view a Christian has of other Christians. The Bible says to be of one mind, so some Believers feel that means everyone has to believe the same things. Romans 14 says something else, and that verse from Romans 12 is the underlying one in my mind.
We all know that there are people who have different “convictions” (as we like to call them because it makes us feel more spiritual) on different topics. It so happened that the church in Romans had disagreements over whether or not meat dedicated to idols could be consumed by Christians. The reality is that idols are false and have no power, so there really isn’t a difference between that meat and another meat. Or is there? Why would I want to “pollute” my body with something that was intended to blaspheme God? I can totally see the problem. In Romans 14 Paul lets us know that there really *is* no problem, it totally depends on the person.
Just as an example from experience, I’m “dealing” with something similar right now (actually something specifically mentioned in the Bible). To the church here, alcohol is taboo. It’s destroyed too many lives and there are people who had a problem with alcohol before they were Christians. I’ve decided to stay away from it (even though it’s on every corner and madly cheap) while I’m here because I don’t want to give rise to someone’s stumbling or give anyone a reason to speak badly of me (v16).
I think the Bible gives me license to think that drinking an alcoholic beverage – as long as I’m not getting drunk – is OK. I know plenty people who do not believe there’s any good reason on earth to touch alcohol to your lips, and I respect them. Romans 14 allows for that as well. The difference is how we handle ourselves together. If I decide that my liberty to drink a beer means I can drink one in front of an alcoholic, I am “no longer walking in love” (v15).
I’m using alcohol as an example, but there are plenty more things. Music, clothing, adornments, etc. I’m currently in a church that is different in some ways than I’m used to. I find myself not getting caught up in those things, but rather realizing that it’s not about those things, but about “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Chapter 14 is an amazing chapter and I recommend everyone read it. It’s my prayer that we can
-j
I'm Jason, and I like to write.
I really like how Romans 14:3 puts it so succinctly. It basically says God has accepted you both – learn to accept each other.
What makes us brothers is bigger than what sometimes divides us.
Dude, I’ve been thinking this way for a while. And you’re right, Romans 14, in my opinion, if very clear on this stuff. Awesome post Jason.