What the Weak Wish the Strong Knew Part 2

Read Romans 14:13-22
Theme: Christian relationships and attitudes
Title in NIV: Do not be a stumbling block for weaker brothers.

Last week I wrote part one of ‘What the Weak Wish the Strong Knew’. This week, there is a common theme: Strong-faith people should be considerate to the point that they will not claim their rights if it offends others. Vs. 14 says we have to “make up our mind not to put a stumbling block or obstacle in our brothers way”. That tells me that denying my rights for the sake of a weaker brother does not come naturally. I should decide how I will act before a situation arises. I should be aware of others’ opinions. I should constantly act in love and not for myself. That is hard, but is sounds familiar---Jesus anyone? If we are choosing love, we will be conscious and conciderate of others and their opinions.

Paul says he is fully convinced that whatever he does for the Lord is considered clean. He also says that if someone else is fully convinced the same act is unclean, ‘then for him it is unclean’. If my brother stresses because of what I do, then I should not do it lest I destroy him. That is powerful. I hope I do not have to look at a list of those I have destroyed because I insisted on having my way.

Vs. 16 always confused me. I wondered, “What am I to do if someone speaks of what I do as evil? (don’t approve) Am I to talk to them and tell them my point of view and how God has spoken to me about how it is okay?” After reading this whole scripture, in context, I figured it out: I am not supposed to give them the opportunity to find fault. I am not to indulge in my rights in front of them. They cannot speak evil of something they do not see. I sacrifice for their conscience.

This kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If I serve God with this attitude in mind, I am pleasing to God and approved by men (vs.18).Let us therefore make every effort (again choose it) to do what leads to peace and mutual edification.

Vs. 20 Says do not destroy the work of God for petty things like drink, food or those pesky disputable matters. What is the ‘work of God’? I believe it is salvation through being reconciled to God. So what if a person sips on a soda in worship service (and thousands of other disputable examples…pick one). Is that enough to loose their salvation? No. The ‘work of God’ comes with responsibility. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” We appeal to those who do not know Christ. We do not appeal to other Christians who striving to please God, too.

For the strong-faith people, if what you do causes a brother to stumble it is better not to do it. We should, also, not try to sway our brother. Vs. 22 says, “So whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God.” How cool to think me and God have secrets with each other no one else knows about.

We all sin. I am confident I have many. I am also confident that I will live in heaven. I believe when I get there, after He says “Enter my good and faithful servant”, He will pull me aside and say, “Let me show you where you messed up. Let’s tweek your attitude.” (He did it with the churches in Revelation) Thank the Lord for his mercy and grace!! Vs. 21 says that God made Jesus, who had no sin, to BECOME sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. My sin is not bound to me. It is bound to Jesus Christ. That means I won't get what a deserve and I look perfectly clean and righteous to God. I claim that white robe. Will you claim yours and help others claim theirs, too?