The responsibility of the believers.
“Who are you to pass judgment on another’s servant? Before his own master he stands and falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4, NET. The noun “servant” above refers to a servant who is committed for life to his master. Paul, above, addresses the preferences concerning lawful foods. Paul calls those who do not eat everything the weak in faith. While those who do eat everything he calls strong in faith. However, both are obligated not to judge each other. Therefore, this is a two-way responsibility. The principle of selfless love regulates both groups. When both groups keep their respective preferences to themselves, there will not be a controversy among members.
In a joint gathering where food is served, Paul advises the strong in faith not to display their liberty in Jesus Christ. He did not specify the responsibility of the weak in faith other than they should not judge the strong in faith. To refrain from the exercise of one’s liberty at joint gatherings is honorable. All members of the body of Christ must always exercise their liberty with concern for others. Both groups must set personal preferences and beliefs aside at joint gatherings.
Unity in the essentials does not imply unanimity. The members of the body of Christ may have one’s unique understanding of the essential. Jesus Christ commissioned all members of Christianity to be living witnesses for him. How members of the body of Christ fulfill the commission will vary among the members. However, all members of the body of Christ must have Jesus Christ at the center of their understanding, belief, and witness. Also, the members of the body of Christ must understand that their living witness for Christ does not contribute to their salvation. Only the saved ones could be living witnesses for the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Our new standing in Jesus Christ as justified, sanctified, and glorified must always be visible to all in society.
Continued in the next blog.
