Romans 14 is one of the chapters in Scripture with great practical value for the local church. It deals with a division arising in the church over whether the Christian had the liberty to eat meat, or must he/she restrict themselves to vegetables. The two camps are described as the strong and the weak. Romans 14:2, “For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.” This is a dispute over what we call “Christian liberty.” Although the exact issue Paul is dealing with is not a cause for division in the church today, there are plenty of issues that still pertain to Christin liberty. For instance, does the Christian have the liberty to get a tattoo? Does the Christian have the liberty to attend a movie theater, or watch questionable television programs? What about dancing or drinking a little wine? You can probably come up with your own list of questionable matters, but the real issue at heart in Romans 14 is, “how will the choices I make as a believer effect another Christian who may be weak/immature in their faith? Am I willing to forgo my liberty for the sake of their spiritual growth? In verses 16 and 17 Paul brings his spotlight to center stage, “Let not then your good be evil spoken of: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” First of all, even if your action is right, it becomes wrong for you to do if another Christian is scandalized by it, and speaks evil of it. Secondly, Paul makes it clear that the citizens who will make up the future kingdom of God when Jesus rules upon this earth demonstrate kingdom virtues such as righteousness (godly living), peace (promote or harmony within the church), which brings them joy both inwardly and outwardly. These virtues on produced in them by their willing submission to the Holy Spirit, “… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance:” (Galatians 5;22,23). How then should we live in the present? As Christian's, our lives should be characterized by virtues which promote the things that foster peace and edify (build up) the church rather than tear it down, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” (Romans 14:19). Are you a peacemaker in the church, or a troublemaker? Do you promote unity or cause division? Are you someone who insists on your own rights and liberties, even if they hurt other people who need time for their Christian conscience to be developed? May the Spirit if God lead us all to follow the example of Christ who gave up the glories of heaven and humbled Himself by becoming a man to suffer and die for our sins “… if your brother 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 (14,15)..
Walk in love,
Pastor Tom
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