Harmony

“For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will declare allegiance to God.’” Romans 14:11

The world could use a little Romans 14 right now. In it Paul writes that we shouldn’t condemn or look down on another believer for what they eat or don’t eat or for the day on which they choose to worship the Lord as long as they are doing it to honor him. Paul begs the question, “Who are you to condemn someone else’s servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall.” 

After all, it’s God who sits in the seat of judgment. He is the righteous judge. Every one of us will stand before Him one day and give a personal account to Him. We are only accountable for our part of the story. 

But let’s not forget that God also sits on the seat of mercy, so Paul says “live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall” and “let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.”

I’m with you, Paul. Let’s stop playing the blame game. Let’s extend a little grace. Let’s let God do the judging. Our time would be better spent building each other up. As we navigate the choppy waters of life, how about we aim for harmony? Let’s do what honors God.