ROMANS 14:1-6 OPINIONS In observing believers for over sixty years as one of them myself, I am made aware of the fact that we are all "weak" in some areas of our lives. There were those who came from idolatry and in spite of the deliverance from that bondage, had opinions based on that background. They believe that anything associated with idolatry in any way was not to be touched. The same was true of those who came from Judaism. One would avoid certain foods because it was used in idol worship. Another may not wear clothes of differing fabrics. Another may have days they will not do certain things, and still another has certain hours of the day they will not work. So how do these divergent opinions affect the saints who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ? We are to "receive" the person but not make the decision for him as to what he can or cannot do. By the teaching of the Word of God, he will be brought into the freedom of light and faith by experiencing not only the grace of God in salvation, but in the saints, who gladly receive him.
One of the basic principles of conduct in the Christian life, is to not have a condemning attitude towards others. When we are "transformed by the renewing of our mind," there will not be conformity to the world. Every believer does not have the same knowledge or strength. There is a willingness on the part of new believers to follow the teaching of the Word of God because of their appreciation of the Lord. "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." When one is taught the truth of God, the Holy Spirit will reveal to one's own mind what the scriptures mean. One may come to understand all food can be eaten "if it be received with thanksgiving." Another may or may not think he should mix the fabrics of the clothes he wears.
Some, even today think the Sabbath is now Sunday even though Sabbath was and always is Saturday. No day is more holy in itself than any other day. There are certain things we do on the first day of the week that have been designated as opposed to other days. On that day we keep the Lord's Supper and also give a proportion pf our weekly labor for the needs of others and the furtherance of the things of God. The law kept people in bondage to days, foods, forms and traditions. The freedom we have in Christ allows us to walk as free people but not to pass our own judgment on others. That would put them into the bondage of my personal opinions. I should remember the Lord is the only One who has full access to the inner reaches of one's mind. He alone can pass judgment on what comes from the "renewing of my mind."
The mind of a person is a powerful thing. It can condemn us or give us a song to sing. The power of the mind controls the body's action. It can create turmoil, or bring satisfaction.
The habits of living can affect my mind. They can open me to freedom, or make me spiritually blind. The thoughts I allow to enter my mind through my senses Can give me freedom, or pass on me a sentence.
When my mind is uncontrolled, I am in danger Of offending my brother or turning away a stranger. The mind uses words after thoughts to take a form. The words in turn can bless, or toot my own horn.
Opinions that have been formed in my life in the past, Have a tendency to want to control when on others they are cast. I do have the power to bring my mind into control, So that I don't let my opinions offend another man's soul.
The choices I make when I set my mind to it - Are useful to me when my life to them fits. For me to insist that others think like me, Is not to be expected if I think realistically.
A mind at peace is attractive to others. My opinions may differ from some other brother's, But if he can see the reason for the peaceful mind I have
He may come to the freedom of light God to him gave.
The freedom from sin through the Gospel he will see. He will learn how to be the Christian God wants him to be. The quiet of forgiveness and acceptance brings him peace. He will be able to show to others the blessings of grace.
"Father, I am asking Thee to help me be tolerant of those who have different opinions than mine, and still not surrender in any way the convictions thou hast given me from Thy Word. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."
ROMANS14:19 “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” AN “EDIFIER.” To edify, build up and come alongside another is a blessing to both people involved. One is blessed in receiving and the other blessed in giving. There is no way to lose when we are following after the right things. Ruth followed after her mother-in-law whose family was disintegrated by the mistakes of unbelief, deception and bitterness. Yet Naomi was willing to trust God for a new beginning. She was no long willing to stare at the wall, but got up and opened the door to a new tomorrow. She wasn’t the greatest example in everything, but Ruth was willing to follow after her, because she knew Naomi was going to where the God of Israel promised blessing to His people. In Isaiah 51 when we look to where we came from; to Abraham and Sarah and where they came from and we see where we are now by the grace of God, we are called by God to “follow after righteousness.” Those like Abraham who was called alone, and blessed and increased; will enjoy the same fellowship with God when righteousness moves us in the path of God’s leading. We may not see the city yet but we know that righteousness dwells there and so we follow after it. The Lord’s people in Corinth were told to follow after charity (love) and desire spiritual gifts that would enable them to edify others. That is why gifts have been given to the body and to the church in local areas – that God’s people will be edified. The gifts given and used properly will be to “edification, exhortation and comfort.” Following after love makes happen, what normally wouldn’t happen. Follow the leading of love, and others will be blessed and bless you. Paul knew he was on a course of God’s choosing as he worked and preached and prayed his way across the Middle East and Europe. He followed after that which God had called him and challenged him with. He knew he hadn’t attained to the full accomplishment of his work and the maturity of the work he desired, but he kept at it until the day he died. He in turn, urged Timothy to follow after every one of those attributes that make a child of God what he should be. To follow after righteousness means I follow in the path of righteous Abraham. To follow after godliness will mean I will follow the steps of Paul. To follow after patience will cause me to sit in silence for a week while I empathize with Job. To follow after meekness means I will walk alongside of Joshua as we follow Moses through the testing times of life in the wilderness. All of these will make for peace among us and growth within the lives of each one blessed by an “edifier.”
“O Father in heaven: far too often my steps are following the wrong footprints. Of all the ones that call us to follow, let the voice that makes it happen in my life, be the voice of the One who said, “Follow Me…” I learn from the lives and words of others, but the real learning comes when His yoke is on me. Then meekness, lowliness and all other things that make for peace, will be real in my life. In the precious name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”