Tuesday, 17 September: Romans 14

I’m sure you’ve noticed there is a wide variety of Christian faith and lifestyle even here in America, and that diversity is expanded significantly when you visit the global Church of Jesus in other cultures. Romans 14 speaks to this issue of unity and mutual respect in diversity.

“Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.” (Rom. 14:1) We all come from different family and church backgrounds, different life experiences. While people all become true Christians through the same experience of sin repentance and faith in Jesus Christ’s atonement work on the cross and His resurrection, isn’t it fascinating to see how the Holy Spirit works differently in transforming all of us from who we were before Jesus to who we are as we walk with Jesus’ and become more like Him?

Evidently among the Roman Christians, there was a good bit of finger pointing going on, as some were quick to point out what they felt was spiritual immaturity in others. As we read through this 14th chapter, may I invite us to ask some important questions of ourselves?

   *  How do I respond when I sense someone is critical of me, or judging me for something based on their personal or Church traditions or convictions which I don’t happen to share? For instance… what is permissible to do on Sunday? (shop, mow the grass, participate in a sports tournament, attend a professional sports event, work my normal job etc.)

  * How do I respond when a fellow Christian does something that to me seems outside the boundaries of appropriate Christian behavior? (social or private drinking of alcohol or wine; participating in office or neighborhood sports betting pool; wearing clothing or swim suit that I feel is provocative; cursing; temper tantrums; flirtatious etc.)

You may remember Paul dealt with this issue with the Corinthian Christians as well. 1 Cor. 6:12-20 “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is beneficial… the body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord…” And in these verses Paul issues a strong challenge that all Christians live morally pure lives, especially in their sexuality.

1 Cor. 10:23-31 “Everything is permissible for me – but not everything is constructive… so whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble…” And here Paul speaks about diet and other aspects of lifestyle always being God honoring.

In both sections of 1 Corinthians and here in Romans 14 Paul celebrates that our relationship with Jesus Christ frees us from living under a legalistic code of laws, but at the same time since the Holy Spirit lives within us and we are adopted as God’s children through our salvation experience, we now have the privilege of living for God’s honor and glory. So rather than being worried about crossing the line and doing something wrong, we are motivated to live lives that honor God and draw a watching world to this exciting, abundant life in Christ.

So Paul writes in Romans 14:12-19 “So the, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way… let us make ever effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” That’s clear isn’t it my friends? It means we each evaluate our own behavior and attitudes based on a simple question… Am I drawing people to Jesus or causing them to resist a relationship with Jesus? Am I helping people love and grow in God’s Word or resist or even reject it?

Finally do you see Paul challenges us to self-restraint, if it will help someone else draw closer to Jesus? “It is better to not eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (14:21) So, what do you think about that my friends? Are we making every effort to be aware of how our lifestyle choices, our attitudes, our words, are affecting everyone our lives touch? Are we even asking those we trust to help us evaluate our impact on others? Are we so concerned that something in our life might be offensive to others to the point they might distance themselves from Jesus?

Did you know, that the fastest growing spiritual grouping of people in America now is called the “Dones”? These are people, of all ages, who used to be church attending and considered themselves Christians, but have been hurt, wounded, offended by clergy, or church politics, or other Christians, to the point, that they have withdrawn from any participation in any church? Oh, most would be quick to say they still have a relationship with Jesus Christ and they are nurturing it through on-line worship and reading their Bible, but they simply are done with church! Do you know anyone like that?

Now before we pick up stones to throw at them… stop for a moment and consider your journey with Churches you’ve been part of. Then consider this more difficult question.. is it possible you and I have been part of the wounding, or offending so that someone might actually be staying away from church because of us?

Would you agree my friends that authentic Christianity is CONTAGIOUS? It is attractive, it’s effervescent, it’s genuine, it’s loving and friendly, and empathetic, and caring. It’s not judgmental or critical or demeaning or bitter. That’s part of why I prefer the phrase “Christ follower” to “Christian”. As you and I “Walk with Jesus” today, and everyday, it is my hope and prayer that we are contagious Christ followers, and that everyone who has any connection with you, feels blessed because you are in their life!

Let’s talk with Jesus about Romans 14 and how it looks in our lives, our worship and our relationships…