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Accepting Our Differences
Posted By Jennifer
Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. . . .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.
Romans 14:1, 4
There are many practices that the Bible doesn’t specifically address, but about which some Christians have strong convictions:
- TV and Movie viewing
- Social use of alcohol
- Church worship practices
- Observance of certain holidays
- Schooling choices
Oftentimes people with differing opinions each have scripture to back up their choice. Or sometimes a person doesn’t think that it’s a Biblical issue at all, but rather one of personal preference. How are we as Believers supposed to handle these disputable matters?
- Don’t pass judgment on one another (Romans 14:1, 13)
- Don’t put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way (vs. 13).
- Make every effort for peace (vs. 19)
- Do not do anything that will cause your brother to fall (vs. 21).
I find that one way to avoid falling into this judgmental snare is to try to understand those with different convictions. My daughter attends public school, but as a result of having many close friends who have chosen Christian schools or homeschooling, I understand these choices, and don’t need to defend my own.
I attend an interdenominational Bible study, and have friends and family who belong to many types of churches. I am reminded daily that those from my church are not the only ones who can love and honor God.
I have friends who work full-time, part-time, and stay-at-home, and see that all love their children and are trying to do what is best for the family.
So, it’s not really about us and our choice. It’s about putting the needs of others ahead of ourself (and you’ve probably heard that one before if you’ve studied the Bible), and keeping the peace within the community of Believers. Paul knows that there are some things about which the people would not agree. As he closes the chapter, he issues yet another challenge, “So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves” (vs. 23).
Is there a personal belief that you need to keep between yourself and God for the sake of keeping the peace? Is there something that you might need to give up in order to cause a weaker brother (like your children) not to stumble in their own faith?
Apr 25th, 2007
Jennifer, thanks for being bold and writing about this issue and chapter in Romans. Our small group finished studying Romans only a few weeks ago. You’ve hit it right on, especially with your question, “Is there something that you might need to give up in order to cause a weaker brother (like your children) not to stumble in their own faith?” because that points back to considering others before yourself and fulfilling the greatest command to love one another.
I found as I wrestled with this particular set of Scriptures that I needed to be careful what were my own beliefs verse Scripture truths, and like you said, to keep my mouth shut on matters of opinion for the sake of peace in the body. The challenge has also been to know the Scriptures even more so, so I could differentiate the two.
Blessings on your day!
Elisa
Romans 12:3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
So, to add, a person’s measure of faith comes from God. When we get mad at someone because they’re not yet ‘getting it’, it’s like telling God that He screwed up when He put together that person’s soul.
Thinking about this - that it is God who allocates a person’s faith - helps us to forgive people, too, when they lack understanding about a matter.
There’s a great commentary on this passage in the September 23, 1998 entry of John Piper’s Blog, http://www.desiringgod.org/ =)
Amen. Great post.
Great post! More applicable verses are found in Philippians 2:3-4.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Oh this is so right on. Thank you for reminding me that the ultimate goal is in fact love. ((hugs))
the issue of christian liberty is one that is really hard for a lot of people. i think its really important to note though that when you refrain from a matter of liberty for a certain crowd or person…it is for THAT person’s conscience, not your own. God gave us these liberties to enjoy….so we cannot judge another for enjoying a certain liberty such as movies or wine. does that make sense?
What great additions to the discussion. Thanks for the thoughts. Great verses. Hard to live by, but wonderful to try.