November 13, 2010
-
Apostolic Assumption #2:
Image by dtcchc http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/deed.en
Where do strong convictions come from? Are they little more than the product of strong opinions fostered by inaccurate assumptions based on very
little thought? Perhaps, but not likely. Rather, it is more probable that strong convictions emerge from intentional and focused study and prayerful
thought. For the conscientious believer, convictions have come at great cost and suffering. Because those values are held close to the heart, they cannot
be easily dismissed (often in discussing differences, it’s not unusual to hear; "Those are just your opinions, but these are my convictions!") . And so when
we are confronted with opposing views from another, it is vitally important that we understand that we are now treading on what may very appropriately
be called ‘holy ground’. These beliefs have come at a price (what had to be released or repudiated in order to draw more closely to God?)--perhaps a
great price. Though I may never embrace those particular convictions, it is inexcusable for me to do anything less than offer my brother or sister the
same courtesy and welcome that I receive from Jesus Christ Himself.Philippians 1:6 has a connection to Romans 14:. It has become a very precious truth that has revolutionized my thinking and compelled me to adjust
attitudes not only toward myself, but also toward other believers. It has changed my life. Paul wrote to the Philippian believers (some of whom were
experiencing serious problems with each other), stating; ". . .being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus."Coming to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ means that God in His sovereignty will accomplish His purposes in my life so that I may grow to maturity in Him.
But guess what? It also means that others coming to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ will experience that same process of transformation as I, even when
there is disparity (maybe even great disparity) between us. And so, when Paul stated that his goal was to attain maturity, wholeness, perfection, he also
made it clear that "All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point [matter] you think differently, that too God will make
clear to you. Only let us live up to what we have already attained" (Philippians 3:15-16).This instruction dovetails beautifully with his remarks to the Roman disciples. Because God is sovereign and has everything well in hand in my life, He has
everything well in hand in the lives of others as well. This means that I am to tend to my own knitting [see Romans 14:12- MSG]. I have my hands full just
taking care of my own life before God without being excessively concerned with others who obviously fail to measure up to my scruples!Paul made it clear (it is a key theme of Romans 14:) that accountability is not primarily to other human beings. Each person is obligated directly to God. The
Apostle said, "None of us are permitted to insist on our own way in these matters. It’s God we are answerable to . . . . ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every
knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.’ So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God" (Romans 14:7,11-12 [MSG]). My
acceptability is determined by what God thinks of me, not by what someone else thinks of me. Likewise, my behavior or attitude toward someone else will
do nothing to change our Lord’s attitude or behavior toward him/her. Since we are servants of Jesus Christ, we are beholden to Him, not to each other.We are thus released " . . . from the petty tyrannies of each other." (Romans 14:9 [MSG]).
Recent Comments