In Romans 14 and part of 15 Paul is intent on telling us that we shouldn’t be critical of one another, but to become as Christ. He didn’t come to please himself, but for the very purpose of suffering under the insults of those who seem to be against God. If I am living my Christian life in such a way that I am an impediment to another’s progress in Christ, I have become a stumbling block to my brother. It is not what I know that really counts with God, but whether or not I am willing to be walked on, if necessary, for the sake of Christ.
Some may think Paul went off the farm here and way, way past the second mile that Jesus suggested we walk for his sake. But if I really consider what he is saying, it really does make sense, and it is not that difficult to see. Paul has told us we should not judge our brother in Christ. There are a lot of debatable issues in life whereby a Christian should simply follow his conscience and not be judged for doing so. However the other side of the “freedom in Christ” coin is personal responsibility. The question is not simply can I do this or that, but if I do this am I serving the cause of Christ, especially in the lives of others?
I can’t remember the last time I had a disagreement with a brother in Christ over whether or not I should eat meat. However, when it comes to the proper behavior on Sunday or what is good entertainment, the forum is full of people with opinions which could be quite dogmatic at times. The problem is what is acceptable with one group may not be acceptable to another, so no matter who I side with, I will offend someone. So, is there really an answer here? For several chapters Paul has been saying there are no specific solutions to some problems, but there is a universal principle I can apply to each disagreement I have with others, and that is love.
Paul makes it clear in Romans 14:15 that if my brother is bothered by what I am doing (eating), I shouldn’t ruin my brother for whom Christ died, just so I can continue to live in freedom. Nevertheless, trying to regulate my life to please every Christian would be a good way to go insane. “At best it would be a religiously laden path back to legalism.”[1] All Paul is saying is, I should be ready and willing to help another Christian within the sphere of my influence.
Not being a “stumbling block” is good, but becoming a “stepping stone” is better. Just how can I become a “stepping stone”? Well, for starters one could reread my previous blog “Taboo or not Taboo” especially concerning being genuine and accepting and understanding others. Another way is to become a good listener. When was the last time you were speaking with someone and you couldn’t wait for him or her to finish speaking so you could add your two-cents? This is a common problem many people have. Listening—really listening is becoming a lost art. People do a lot of communicating indirectly and non-verbally. To get the full message others may be trying to tell me, I may have to listen to how they are saying something as well as the words themselves. For example, my friend may be really bothered by some of the things I do or say on a regular basis, but would prefer to die rather than openly come out and admit it. Instead he or she would drop a hint by way of an offhanded remark or even a facial expression. In order to catch this, I have to practice being a good listener and even a good observer. It falls into the category of empathy or understanding which I spoke of in my previous blog.
Solomon had the right idea when he said “ He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him… A wise man will hear, and will increase learning” (Proverbs 18:13; 1:5). Becoming a good listener is an excellent way to put 1John 3:18 into action: “…let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them and show it by our actions.” To love is to have the attitude of Christ toward others (Romans 15:5). Becoming a “stepping stone” rather than a “stumbling block” requires a willingness to go out of my way and suffer inconvenience, and be “stepped on” (at times) in order to serve and help another—no strings, just doing it for the sake of God’s glory, not mine (Romans 15:5-7).
[1] Fritz Ridenour: “How to be a Christian Without Being Religious.” Remember we are going through his book in this series on Romans. The basic thoughts are his and at time exact phrases are taken from his work.
Technorati Tags: Paul, Letter to the Romans, judging others, loving one another, Jesus, listening, understanding , empathy
Smoodock's Blog 