THE FULLY CONVINCED MIND

 

Romans 14:5-8  One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (NIV)

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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On what basis do most of us make our decisions? It would be nice to think that we come to clear conclusions on the basis of obvious facts. But most of the time we make the same decision as we did last time, or the decision which pleases those around us. In fact, although we make many choices each day, very few of them are properly thought out. Paul encouraged the believers in cosmopolitan Rome to think carefully before they made lifestyle choices.

The two potentially divisive issues in the church, where some had formerly worshipped God as Jews, and others had worshiped idols, were: which day of the week was 'holy to the Lord', and if it was right to eat 'meat offered to idols'. Paul says that the decision would not be judged by friends or the church, but by God. Where God's Word is not clear, He expects us to think the matter through - taking the Bible's principles of Christian living, praying and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance. Having done that, the immediate test is: can we praise God in the decision we have made? The ultimate test is God's on the Final Day.

We call God, 'Lord', because He is our Master to whom we are accountable; our Judge whose verdict is always right. True believers in Jesus know that they cannot live to please themselves. And although it is easier to allow others in the church to dictate the way we live, we have a higher Master. His Word and His Spirit will guide us. Of course, that is not to say that we should arrogantly ignore the wise advice of others, but rather that it is our responsibility to come to a settled mind on how we should live.

Prayer:  Loving Lord. Thank You for saving me! I am sorry when I have failed to think through my personal life decisions, when I have either pleased myself or allowed myself to be pressurised by others to live without thinking or praying. Please give me a refreshed heart and mind which seeks Your face and is longing to bring You praise. Please work in me so that I will come to those decisions which settle my conscience and stand the test of Your judgement. In Jesus' Name. Amen.