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Are We Trampling on Romans 14?
Are We Trampling on Romans 14?
Paul's words in Romans 14:19 seem to have fallen upon hard times, often among those who are in a position of greater trust and influence. In that particular verse, the apostle is drawing a conclusion about his instructions to Christians, saying, "So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another." We are living at a time where not only is peace not pursued, but strife and division are what are being chased. We can expect the godless world to be inflammatory, provocative, and disrespectful. We should not expect the precious children of God to interact with each other in this way.
Especially through this written medium, here in the information age, we often feel free to make statements we should reasonably expect will upset and divide one another and other onlookers. We may feign shock when the inevitable, virtual fist-fight breaks out, but a few moments of deliberation about the matter would have easily anticipated (and, prayerfully, avoided) it.
These words of Paul's are to presumably mature Christians, sensitive to one who may be "weak" (1) but one who is certainly a "brother" (10). Often, we fixate on the subject matter-"eating meat" or "observing a day"-and on which brother (strong or weak) we are. Those are the illustrations. Beneath the issues, there are timeless principles we must strive to follow.
None of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself (7). This is the principle of INFLUENCE.
We will all stand before the judgment seat of God (10,12). This is the principle of ACCOUNTABILITY.
Do not destroy... him for whom Christ died (15b). This is the principle of BROTHERLY LOVE.
The kingdom of God is...righteousness and joy and peace in the Holy Spirit (17). This is the principle of SPIRITUALITY.
He who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men (18). This is the principle of RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Do not tear down the work of God (20). This is the principle of WISDOM.
There are further observations we could make from this context, but these are enough to give us pause to consider (a) what we choose to say which might inflame the sensitivities of others and (b) how we interact with each other in discussing any matter. What do we hope to gain that we would risk something so precious and valuable to God as a brother or sister in Christ? Do we wish to bring out the best or worst in others? Let us take care not to slaughter kindness, consideration, gentleness, and brotherly love on the altar of things "which give rise to speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith" (1 Tim. 1:4) or "worldly and empty chatter" (1 Tim. 6:20).
