Stumbling Blocks

Romans 14

“Get out of your neighbor’s business and tend to your own.”
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“Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.” Romans 14:13 (ESV)

Rather than asking, what faults can I find in my neighbors’ lives, we should ask, how will my actions and quick responses affect them?

According to Dr. Tony Evans, this is a central question and message Paul spelled out in Romans 14.

“The goal of the kingdom is not to keep other people in line with our preferences, but to pursue what promotes peace. We can use our freedom in two ways: either we tear down God’s work in people’s lives by flaunting our liberty, or we build up one another by being sensitive to our weaker brothers and sisters. The irony is that while we may have the freedom to do something, if we continue to do it knowing it will make our brother stumble, that action suddenly becomes evil. On the contrary, it is a good thing not to do anything that makes someone stumble, which means to trip them up spiritually.”

“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. 2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.” Romans 14:1–3 (ESV)

Many man-made rules address things that aren’t clearly spelled out in Scripture—can I go to the movies when they are playing something rated-R in the parallel theater; can I dance when they will probably play a slow song for couples; can I eat candy in October that is in a Halloween designed bag; can I listen to that song when that song has a drinking song on the album; and can I read the Harry Potter series with the talk of witchcraft?

When we talk about human rules as if they’re God’s ideas, we harm those who are weak in faith. Do I need to repeat that statement. I can picture Paul wanting to repeat that statement, as he and we have all experienced chastisement over something this side of heaven that has offended someone, as if such a thing will send a follower to hell. I would venture to say we have been on both sides of this spear.

We must measure our action with the weaker brother question: Will my preferences, words, or actions cause those close to me or another brother to stumble? Am I making my preferences and convictions God’s commands?

Paul addresses man-made rules regarding diet here, the thing at this time that was tripping up these particular believers. Some thought eating meat was sinful, so they would eat only vegetables. Others thought it was okay to eat anything. The first group didn’t become vegetarian for dietary reasons, but convictional ones. The meat in Rome had been offered to idols; therefore, many people felt it was tainted with the demonic. The second group, however, thought, “Well, what’s an idol, anyway? It’s not a real god, so whatever happens to the meat before it arrives on my table is fine.”

The problem was that these two hard stances kept the believers from fully accepting each other. And while we don’t usually argue over meat in the church today, we do sometimes say things like, “If you were really saved, you wouldn’t go to the movies, dance, listen to that song, or read J. K. Rollings.”

Dr. Tony Evans put it best, “Understand that it’s fine to have personal convictions, but if the Bible hasn’t condemned a thing, we should give space to believers whose convictions differ on matters that Scripture does not address plainly.”
Romans 14:10–12 (ESV)

Jesus said it’s foolishness to point out a speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye if you have a two-by-four in your own.

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3 (ESV)

Paul is getting at the same idea here: Why do you judge your brother or sister, when you know that each of us will give an account of himself to God? God won’t be asking you about the opinions and preferences of your brother. He’ll be looking into your account.

Understand today, as a follower of Christ, your love may be tested more by Christians who disagree with you than by unbelievers who persecute you.
Warren Wiersbe says, “It takes a diamond to cut a diamond.”

What should you do when your brother or sister disagrees with you about how God’s people ought to live? For me, I may not have always handled this the way I should have and have had to make apologies. How about you? How are you on the acceptance of those who differ from you on personal convicting issues? Who are you condemning rather than uniting or issuing grace in love?

Today, know that not all believers are mature, and love demands that the mature members of the family defer to the immature. Love protects people and gives them a chance to grow up in the faith and spiritual maturity. People may be difficult, but we accept them in love for the Lord’s sake.

Would others say you are are more condemning or more loving? Do you put others interest and spiritual maturity ahead of your own agenda and preferences? For who do you need to seek forgiveness?

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