Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
Co-workers in building up the kingdom of God
Bible portion Romans 14: 13-19
Devotion
Devotion
We know Jesus commanded us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, but what does this look like? Does this mean we can’t disagree with our neighbors, even the Christian ones? Certainly not, but Paul gives us some guidelines.
In his letter to the Romans, he teaches us how to address and treat fellow Christians. In the days of the early church, some of the converted gentiles and incumbent Christians didn’t see eye to eye on various practices, and in some serious cases, pertinent doctrine. Paul recognized some Christians wanted to keep certain ceremonial laws, like certain festivals and staying away from meat, even though Jesus declared all foods as clean. Disagreements are common in any workplace, and the church is no stranger to this. But Paul instructs us not to disagree to the effect we create a “stumbling block” unto our neighbors. What exactly is this? As you can imagine, a stumbling block distracts. It prevents. It hinders. Ultimately, in this context, it refers to something that keeps another from a relationship with God. Jesus talked about this in Matthew 18 when he says “…but whoever causes one of these littles ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy milestone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Since we have freedom in Christ, we have the liberty to partake or not partake in certain activities like alcohol, dancing, tattoos or piercings, but this comes with moderation, modesty, and most importantly, sincerity. However, there are some believers that do not wish to partake, because they feel tempted to indulge in sin or it hinders their walk with God. And that’s ok! Romans 14 talks about how we are accountable to God for every action we take. Wherever you are in your spiritual maturity, unless you believe your fellow believer is in sin, Paul calls us to not judge someone else’s walk even if it may look a little different from ours. Paul calls us to maintain peace to achieve mutual uplifting.
Yes, we can have healthy disagreements, and ultimately, “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another: (Prov 17:27). Forsake the petty arguments that might obstruct another’s journey with God, and rather, be a helpful hand to guide them. This is how God continues to build his kingdom.
In his letter to the Romans, he teaches us how to address and treat fellow Christians. In the days of the early church, some of the converted gentiles and incumbent Christians didn’t see eye to eye on various practices, and in some serious cases, pertinent doctrine. Paul recognized some Christians wanted to keep certain ceremonial laws, like certain festivals and staying away from meat, even though Jesus declared all foods as clean. Disagreements are common in any workplace, and the church is no stranger to this. But Paul instructs us not to disagree to the effect we create a “stumbling block” unto our neighbors. What exactly is this? As you can imagine, a stumbling block distracts. It prevents. It hinders. Ultimately, in this context, it refers to something that keeps another from a relationship with God. Jesus talked about this in Matthew 18 when he says “…but whoever causes one of these littles ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy milestone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”
Since we have freedom in Christ, we have the liberty to partake or not partake in certain activities like alcohol, dancing, tattoos or piercings, but this comes with moderation, modesty, and most importantly, sincerity. However, there are some believers that do not wish to partake, because they feel tempted to indulge in sin or it hinders their walk with God. And that’s ok! Romans 14 talks about how we are accountable to God for every action we take. Wherever you are in your spiritual maturity, unless you believe your fellow believer is in sin, Paul calls us to not judge someone else’s walk even if it may look a little different from ours. Paul calls us to maintain peace to achieve mutual uplifting.
Yes, we can have healthy disagreements, and ultimately, “as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another: (Prov 17:27). Forsake the petty arguments that might obstruct another’s journey with God, and rather, be a helpful hand to guide them. This is how God continues to build his kingdom.
Prayer
God, I confess the ways I wrongfully judge my brother or sister in Christ. Please give me the wisdom and discernment to know when to address certain things and when not to. Please help me maintain or seek peace with my neighbor, and grant me the strength to extend or receive forgiveness. In Jesus name, Amen
Thought for the Day
It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.”- Eleanor Roosevelt
Shane Thomas, Long Island Mar Thoma Church