Perceptions Of Convictions
Romans 14:1-6
[1] Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. [2] For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. [3] Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. [4] Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. [5] One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike . Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. [6] He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it . He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
When God requires certain, specific things of us, we can easily assume He must be requiring them of everyone else as well. With these assumptions we can become legalistic and judgmental, placing other believers in bondage.
The Bible contains many black-and-white statements, things that apply at all times, in all places, to all people. This means truth is not relative. It’s an objective standard. Any personalized directives He brings TO YOUR attention are not the same for everyone else. Thus, you cannot hold everyone around you to the same personal convictions to which God’s Spirit has guided you, nor can you use it to judge the seriousness of their devotion to Christ.
In our personal relationship with Him, we’ll find varied plans and pursuits that take into account His personal desires for us as separate individuals. Others may not choose to take our roads—and they shouldn’t, if it’s not how God has guided them. Nor should we challenge them regarding their routes, unless it’s an issue of scriptural truths.
In our text, the church in Rome was comprised of both Jews and Gentiles. Their cultural upbringings brought divergent views on different things, including what foods could be partaken of. Paul used this as an illustration of how we should deal with our personal liberties and restraints as believers and how we should treat others who think differently than we do.
We should not change our convictions based on what others are doing, nor should we judge others based on what He’s personally asked of us. Convictions like these can be personal. This is especially true for new Christians. No person gets saved and has immediately arrived. No one ever “arrives.” As I talked about in my last devotion, we are to grow in The Lord! That growing never stops. We must allow God to speak to other Christians in their own walk with Him.
It’s not our job to change people. Allowing God to change them from the inside out will have a more lasting influence.
God bless you today!
Bro. Josh Richardson
Comentários