We all know that we need to focus our energy if we want to be effective…so in our Christian walk, what is the main thing? What should I daily be putting my energy into? And what is not worth a second thought? Romans 14 spurred on this inward discussion.
“…For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself…Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living…So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way…Yet if your bother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 14:7, 8b-9, & 12-13
After reading this chapter I began to realize that I had been getting easily irritated with Christians who where doing things for which I saw no Biblical basis. I began to think, what are the things on which I need to take an immovable stand, and what are the things that will not matter in eternity?
“Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things…He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.” Romans 14:1&6
Our culture has changed, but these are issues that I still hear discussed in the church today. Paul goes on to say that, “…I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” I Corinthians 9:22b So, I need to pick my battles, and above all be ready to give an answer for the faith that lies within me, so that I know on which things I should never budge, and what things Christ is telling me to let go.
“…We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him…And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” I Corinthians 8:1b-3 & 11-13
Knowing that this issue is much deeper then what I eat, what days are holy to me, etc., I seek the Lord for wisdom and understanding, but most of all to keep the main thing the main thing. Seeking Christ above all, let’s press on!
