ACCEPTING LEGITIMATE DIFFERENCES

 

Romans 14:1-4  Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. One man's faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (NIV)

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Ancient Rome was full of idol shrines and pagan worship. When people became Christians, they knew it was foolish and wrong to worship false gods. However, their temples were also the restaurants and business network centres of Rome. So the new believers had to decide if they could eat meat which had been previously offered to the idol, or eat vegetables. It was more of a dilemma for some than others. The 'strong' believers knew that the idol had no real personality or power, so the meat in the restaurant was just meat. Others (the 'weak' believers) were repulsed by the thought of eating the meat, perhaps because of their previous strong belief in the idol.

Paul instructed the 'strong' believers not to criticise those who were still wrestling with the implications of their new faith in Jesus. Likewise, those who refused the meat and ate vegetables should not condemn those who conducted their business at the temple trade centres. Each had come to a settled conscience about how the grace of Christ was working in their lives, because they wanted to please the Lord. So they were not to live under the condemnation of other believers, but with a quiet mind knowing that the Lord would judge them on the final Day (1 Corinthians 8:1-13).

The wonderful thing about God's family is that everybody is different! We have been called from diverse backgrounds, and we have all had to deal with those parts of our lifestyle which do not please the Lord. He knows our hearts, and understands how hard it is to change our habits, thoughts and desires. The challenge is not so much to conform to behaviour patterns which are acceptable to others in our church; but to honour Christ in our hearts with a clear conscience. Let us work hard to ensure that our motives are godly, and make whatever lifestyle changes are necessary so that we will not be 'tripped up' by the world around us, nor trip up other believers because of the choices we make. And let us resolve not to condemn those Christians whose struggles are different from ours.

Prayer:  Gracious Lord. Thank You for bringing me out of the darkness and into Your light. I am sorry when I still allow my heart to conform to this world's values and do not bring all my lifestyle choices to the foot of Your cross. I also repent of criticising the choices of my fellow believers when I cannot fully understand their motives, or know their struggles. Please help me to set my heart towards heaven, and to pray for my brothers and sisters so that I can encourage them as they seek to live godly lives. In Jesus' Name. Amen.