SATURDAY October 24, 2020

Be Fully Convinced

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.
Romans 14:5-6

Paul was very direct in solving issues in the Church. He knew that within a community of believers, there were disagreements among them. He also knew every believer was in a different level of their spiritual growth. Christians are no longer under the law, so it is left up to each individual person to be fully convinced in their own mind what day to observe and what foods to eat. Some people have to go to church midweek because they work on a Sunday––nothing wrong with that––we worship every day!

If a believer likes to eat snails and you do not, do you start to argue and condemn them? Christians are free in Christ; they can eat sushi, be a vegetarian, or eat steak. It is up to every individual to be fully convinced what their freedoms are. If somebody is present at a restaurant, and it will make them stumble if you eat steak, then do not eat steak–– eat sushi! We are not to use our Christian liberties to make another person stumble.

It is important to receive a weaker believer in the faith. Why argue with them! Why act in a way that would make them stumble? I believe, at times, when Christians have grown and matured in the Lord, they have a tendency to become judgmental and pious with those who are immature. That is not good. The next time you are tempted to judge a person, first look in the mirror! In fact, Pastor Romaine used to say, “When you point your finger at someone, remember you have three coming back at you!” That is so true! It is really important not to judge others.

Christians are to represent Christ––we imitate Him. The main focus in resolving any of these issues is love.

To judge others by ourselves is to create havoc in the local assembly.
~A. W. Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!