“. . . do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.” (Romans 14:16-23 NAS)
I think it is interesting how the self-centered attitudes of the 21st century have affected the Church. Then, I read Paul’s instructions and realize that Christianity has been plagued with self-centered demands from the beginning. So, I conclude that it is a human failing.
Yet, Jesus taught us that, as his disciples, we would not conduct ourselves as the non-disciple world around us. Our behaviors are to be guarded so as not to offend other disciples particularly and non-Christians generally.
Our perspective is the problem. We must consider that our membership in the Kingdom of God is not ruled by indulgence or abstinence. Jesus said, “It is not what enters into the mouth that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the man” (Matthew 15:11 NAS). Now, of course, we can stretch this principle beyond what both Jesus and Paul intended in their contexts.
Yet, the point is: God’s Kingdom is ruled by righteousness , peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Our indulgent or abstinence behaviors aren’t as important as whether those actions offend someone. And Paul teaches us that if we serve Christ from this no-offense perspective, then God accepts us in his Kingdom.
Our focus must be such that the Holy Spirit controls us with joy, peace, and righteousness. If the Holy Spirit doesn’t control us, our behaviors will be destructive. Disciples of Christ are supposed to build the work of God not tear it down. Our appetites may be acceptable, but we must not allow those appetites to control us (1 Cor. 6:12). Our appetites may be acceptable, but neither expedient nor edifying (1 Cor. 10:23). Our best behavior is not to offend others with the things we allow.
Offending other disciples or unbelievers is evil and it is best not to place an obstacle in the path of anyone. In addition, our behaviors result from our convictions. Our convictions form our consciences. Our conscience affects our faith. In other words, our self-condemnation negates our faith. “Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves” (v. 22). We can also claim happiness when our behaviors do not offend.
Dear Father, thank you for giving us the Holy Spirit to control our lives. Grant to us the faith and maturity of a biblical perspective. I pray this in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous today in the Holy Spirit’s control,