Reflections from June 1, 2010

Our verse for today summarizes Paul's address regarding our relationship to others and what they do versus what we do. In Romans 14:8 it says, "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's."

Paul had been speaking about matters of conscience such as eating food given to idols and then sold in the market, observing the sabbath, and not doing something that causes others to stumble. In the end, he says, it doesn't really matter because it's all to the Lord. These things are not written about in God's book and with the New Covenant that came into existence with the death of Christ, some things didn't matter anymore; especially to Gentiles. What did matter is how you lived for God and Paul says from Isaiah, "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God."

So there are five basic points to get from chapter 14 which help us to live each day to the Lord;
1. Do not judge another regarding disputable things; Christ is the judge for us and others.
2. Come to our own convictions regarding matters of conscience. Sometimes the Scriptures aren't clear, but God gave us a brain, a will, and the ability to reason. Unexamined morality is as irresponsible as no morality.
3. Always remember we shall answer to God for our behavior.
4. Avoid offending others by flaunting what we do. We can go on and on about how we feel our actions are biblically ok; however, it may not be to another person and if they are new Christians, and they find the action offensive, we should not be the person that causes them grief. Even actions that are not inherently sinful can produce sin if they cause others to stumble.
5. We should practice love, pursuing peace in the body of Christ and that which builds up others in the faith. Where God is either silent or has left room for personal choice, we need to practice tolerance and consider what is best for all.

This concept of being influenced is carried into our verse from Proverbs. It says in Proverbs 1:10, "My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent."

Solomon says to show wisdom, and even if someone is trying to get us to do something against God, we should resist and not consent. It's different, but the same as Paul's writing regarding doing something that causes others to sin. If someone like that is around us, we need the wisdom and strength of God to resist and not consent to engage in the sin.

Blessings to all