Day 201
Romans 14:2-4 J.B. Phillips Translation
"One man believes that he may eat anything, another man, without this strong conviction, is a vegetarian. The meat eater should not despise the vegetarian, nor should the vegetarian condemn the meat-eater-they should reflect that God has accepted them both. After all, who are you to criticize the servant of somebody else? It is to his own master that he stands or falls. And he will stand for the Lord is well able to make him do so."
Jesus said His disciples would be identified by their love for each other. This lets us know how He expects us to treat and relate to one another. There are issues that can rightfully cause contention, because we must not use love as an excuse to water down the truth and accept ungodly living. However, we should carefully examine the things we make an issue out of. In Romans 14, Paul helps point out some of the things that are not worth contending for.
Christians are people who come to the Lord from various backgrounds. Their choices are affected by their upbringing and the teaching and training they received both before and after receiving Christ. We must show love and acceptance to all our brethren and not try to be God to them. What if we had to be perfected in one day? There are not enough hours in a day to accomplish such a task. We have to learn and grow. As the Holy Spirit is at work in us, we will change from glory to glory. In the meantime, we need love and acceptance from our families.
Paul used the example of vegetarians and meat-eaters getting along in the church. Some may have been taught not to eat meat before they became Christians. Others may have been convinced, after receiving Jesus as Savior, that meat is not good for them. Then, there could be those who believe all foods are good and they have faith to eat anything they choose. As he brought out, this should not give us a cause to fight. It will not determine who is saved or lost, and neither will it damage anyone's godly character. Therefore, it should be a matter left up to the individual and to God, before whom he will answer.
It is fine for each person to present his case if they believe they can help someone, but we should always show respect to those who have different views. As long as being a vegetarian or a meat eater is not presented as a question of sin or righteousness, we are free to disagree agreeably and continue to focus on more important things.
We must be careful not to be lifted up in pride by our knowledge or liberty. When men and women are dying and going to Hell, we must not be fooled by Satan into allowing petty things to distract us from our purpose. Let us exercise social ethics and get along with our brothers and sisters, as we promote the gospel of Jesus Christ together.
With God's help, I will not be sidetracked by unimportant issues. I will live and respect my brothers and sisters who have different views. I trust God, before whom we will all stand, to correct and perfect us all.