A BALANCED FOCUS
Richard Harris
Today’s Scripture: “Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong.” Romans 14:1, NLT
Theme: Don’t judge anyone if the matter is disputable (not clearly a sin).
The themes this week center around judgement. I think it’s amazing how our two-thousand-year-old Scriptures apply even with today’s current affairs. John 6:37 (ESV) states, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out." We still, however, have our free will, which makes us responsible for all of our actions. A modern-day example of Romans 14:1 could be where believers with different political views choose to put their opinions aside, focusing instead on welcoming each other through their shared faith and commitment to God. Some people see God as more liberal. Others see Him as more conservative. We all have the ability and calling to read and apply Scripture authentically and to the best of our ability. What was the reason for Paul’s writing this letter to the church in Rome?
CAN’T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?
The early Church of Rome was started by Christian-saved Jews not long after Jesus’s resurrection. Those first members brought with them the embedded traditions of their previous faith: worship on Saturday, circumcision, kosher eating practices. When the Gentiles found Christ and joined the church, they brought their own spiritual differences. Jesus was resurrected on Sunday, so some considered Sunday as the proper day to worship. They had no kosher laws, so eating all meat was just fine. Those early Roman Christians shared in one body of the risen Christ, but personal discord and judging created differences within that body. Paul’s letter to the Romans addressed this division. “Can’t we all just get along?” he could have said. Different opinions, not commanded by God, were being judged by those who didn’t share those convictions. Where there was no sin, Paul asked for acceptance and no arguing about alleged rights and wrongs.
TRUST GOD MORE
Paul emphasized a balanced focus. Through prayer and trust, he asked them to allow God to be the ultimate judge. Early conflict resolution started on the common ground of all parties rejoicing in the Lord and giving thanks. There are many issues where the Bible goes silent. Whether weak or strong, Paul emphasizes acceptance. The strong must uphold the weak. Our Bible tells us that we have freedom, but not the right to sin. Let us not judge non-sins. God welcomes both the weak and strong in faith. Communication with God will help us communicate with each other. It’s as easy as that.
Make It Personal: As a Christian, do you treat people of other religions with respect, understanding, and tolerance? Do you engage in dialogue with people of other religions? Do you pray for the salvation of all people from all religions? These are things we should be doing. OK! Now… do you show and sow the same tolerance within your own Christian community… other believers? If so, the discussion should be a positive focus on unity around Jesus as Savior and Lord. This is what Paul was preaching to the church in Rome. Discord within the ranks leads to a division that pleases the enemy. If we are busy serving our Master, we won’t be concerned with trivial matters. Ask yourself: Will my actions please Jesus?
Pray: Lord, we thank You for our differences and freedoms within our Christian standing. With our common faith, may we come together in the one body of Christ, to do Your good works in this broken world. May we all do our part to guard against the judgmental divisions that can weaken our faith, and benefit from one another. Help us, Father, in not letting our biased opinions control others. As one unified faith, we pray in the Name of the One who has redeemed us – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Read: Galatians 5:13-15; Romans 14:21-22; Colossians 2:16-17; John 3:16; Matthew 7:15
Weekly Memory Verse: “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:17, NLT