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 continues on with his discourse on how important it is that we get along together. We could pretty much summarise this with ‘don’t sweat the small stuff.’

The truth is that some folks choose to recognise certain days, others do not. Some folks choose not to eat certain foods, other think there is nothing wrong with those foods. Sadly, for some people, that is enough to break fellowship.

I guess I can see this. We all like to be ‘right.’ People fight over whether the iPhone, an Android phone, or a Windows phone is best. I have seen really ugly arguments over this very topic. I fortunately know the truth.  ‘If you don’t have an iPhone, well, you don’t have a iPhone.’ (Uh, kidding to make a point here.)  

We expect that out of the world. It becomes sad when it comes to the church.

We fight over stuff that is just as stupid as we mentioned yesterday.

But God’s word has a solution.

We obviously can’t choose to be unbiblical. There are certain things on which the word of God is clear.

But on the others non-essentials the directions are clear. We examine scripture and we pray for direction. Then, if we can do it for the glory of God and thank Him then we are free to make our choice and be fully persuaded in our own minds that it is right.

That’s kind of liberating. I don’t have to worry about my brother’s choices on abiblical issues. I have to worry about how he celebrates certain days or the foods he eats. If we are truly seeking to do it for the Lord He will show us through His word if we are wrong.

It’s all about attitude, loving each other, and honouring our Lord.