Romans 14
If this chapter
had to be reduced to a soundbite, it would be "Do not judge another."
From that perspective, this lesson could not be more relevant in modern times.
The context, however, of food and which church days are special, are not the primary
issues generating judgement in present circles. Let's start with Paul's
solution and then look at applications beyond the ones the early church was
facing.
Paul's
Solution
1. Believers are to act based on our
reason and conscience. We are to use the measure of spiritual insight that we
possess.
2. Believers are not to be quick to
judge those who do not answer to us. God will give Insight concerning the
edifying response if we ask.
3. The strong are not to place
temptation in the way of the weak. Religious freedom maintains a link between
insight and actions.
The book of
Leviticus has an excellent framework for living. It points out that in life
things can be classified as clean, unclean, or holy. Romans 14:23 echoes this
sentiment by explaining that if we "act from faith" then matters of daily living will take care
of themselves. This is a good overarching principal, but it can be tricky at
times to apply to specifics. For proof, just read the rest of Leviticus where
the attempt is made to assign every waking moment to the correct category.
In comparing the
weak and strong Christians, Paul clearly puts the burden on the strong to
nurture the weak. Just as in parenting, a balance must be struck between being
too strict and allowing too much freedom. Discipline must be administered in
love, not doled out in punishment. Paul Bunyon wrote that the tendency to
dispute over opinions is the mark of a frivolous mind. It's easier to argue
over details than to take on the real responsibility of discipleship.
In Paul's
dealings with issues of food and worship, he encouraged mutual tolerance and
respect, but tolerance here means more than non-judgmental inaction. It means
offering loving instruction and being quick to deny ourselves the freedoms that
we have through Christ. Insisting on our rights at the expense of another's
conscience is the mark of a "stumbling block." For those who haven't
fully understood the liberty that Christ offers, laws and traditions will still
feel necessary. Paul's idea of tolerance for the strong is an acceptance
of unnecessary limitations on themselves
rather than an acceptance of destructive behaviors of the weak.
The Kingdom of
God (14:17) is beyond trivial things like eating and drinking what we want and
singing the songs we like in church. If we follow our convictions with
integrity, and humble ourselves, then our hearts are more receptive to being
led into the truth. We can serve God by observing rituals or ignoring them, but
we do not have the option of denying the righteousness, peace and joy of the
Spirit of God.
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