Theology for Everybody: Romans预览

Paul says, “Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God” (v. 20). People are more important than your diet. People are more important than your hobbies. People are more important than your holidays. People are more important than your sports team. People are more important than your political party. I’m not saying those things are unimportant, but I’m saying people are more important because Jesus died for people.

“Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God.” (vv. 20–22). Don’t go around saying, “Here are my rules.” Keep them yourself. When we’re together, let’s talk about God’s Word.

“Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (vv. 22–23). Some people are very easily influenced. They don’t know what to do. Religious people want to boss them around; they say, “Just do what I say.” One of the most important things you can do as a parent is not to tell your kids what to do but to teach them to hear from the Holy Spirit. This is why I always ask my kids, “What is God showing you? What is God telling you? What do you feel like God is revealing to you? Where do you feel like God is leading you?” As a parent, I’m there to help them figure out how to hear God’s voice for their life.

Some people have weak consciences, and though something might not be a sin, it would be a problem for them. For example, the Bible says it’s okay to drink alcohol, but if you’re a recovering alcoholic, you need to back up a few steps. A friend of mine says, “Alcohol is undefeated in my life. I’ve never started drinking and not had alcohol defeat me. Every time I started drinking, I didn’t stop until I passed out.” Obviously, for this friend, alcohol is a problem, so he has to back up from that line. Would it be kind to keep dragging him back to a bar? No, and it certainly would not be Christlike. We need to love our brothers and sisters in Christ and respect the lines drawn by their consciences.

Today’s Reflection

What lines have your conscience drawn that others might have different convictions about?