Unlimited: Doing it for the Lord
Oct 3, 2023 743
Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God (Romans 14:6).
Paul has just told us that we are to respect individual freedom of conscience with regard to what we eat, don’t eat, or which days we hold as sacred or not. We are not to judge others.
However, he isn’t saying that we make our own independent decisions on these things. Instead, Paul tells us that whatever we choose to do in these things we do it to the Lord. It is the reason for what we do or don’t do that matters. God accepts it if we do it to honour Christ.
Paul gives us the criteria by which we should guide our lives is we have accepted Christ: we are to do what we do “to the Lord.”
Paul tells us that whatever we choose to do in these things we do it to the Lord.
There is an important principle here. The principle that determines the integrity of our choices isn’t which day we regard as special, or what food we eat, but our love for the Lord Jesus that governs the choices that we make in life.
The other principle at work here is that there is freedom in the life of a Christian. Not every aspect of life is regulated by rules and regulations. However, while weaker Christians may make different choices, and may even turn to legalism, Scripture tells us to give the time and freedom to grow.
Spiritual Application
Paul describes a tension that exists in the church between those who are stronger in faith and embrace Christian liberty and those who follow legalistic obedience. What is it that resolves this tension? The answer is love for one another. Are you showing this love for those who make different choices to yours within the Christian community?
Okurut Martin
Oct 4, 2023
Thanks