As I read Romans 14 in The Voice Bible, which adds kind of a fresh twist (it tells it like a story), I wonder if there's a new application to what I've always heard about "the weaker brother."
Essentially, the idea is that we have freedom as Christians to eat, drink, celebrate as we wish. We have FREEDOM. The food, drink, holidays/special observances in and of themselves aren't sinful. However, if eating, drinking or celebrating those things causes a "weaker brother" to stumble, that is, if it hurts his faith and causes him to sin, then that action for us is wrong. Furthermore, even if we see another "stronger brother" eating, but have weak faith and feel like it's wrong, but do it anyway, we are sinning. Essentially, we are to limit our freedom out of love for one another, as well as to only act on faith (not from just mimmicking one another's behavior).
I have heard and seen this concept interpreted in many ways in the church. For example, alcohol. I believe there is nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in and of itself, in fact Jesus' first recorded miracle was turning water into wine. Yet there are people who say it's wrong to ever drink because it could cause someone to stumble. The same argument is used over and over again, imho, to put limits on freedoms we have in Christ, and church leadership often complies, so as not to offend those whose traditions and personal comfort zones are violated by those freedoms. Essentially, what we have is the squeaky wheels who confuse God's way with their way.
However, when I was reading this today, I thought: hmmm, what if I've been missing something here. What if instead of being overapplied this isn't being applied enough? What if it's meant to be applied MORE broadly than I thought, as opposed to less?
What if we substitute "the weaker brother" with "the possible future brother"? I mean, what if we love, sacrifice our personal freedoms and don't judge not just those who are weaker in faith in Christ, but those who have none at all?
Now, don't get all in a huff. I'm not talking about throwing morals to the wind and "don't judge lest ye be judged" as the world applies it today, of course we judge behaviors and ideas. However, what if this means we are to be less judgmental of PEOPLE as they are trying to live better lives?
What if our vegan friends are to be respected and admired? What if someone who declares it is wrong to drink any alcohol is admired for their conviction and not viewed as a stick-in-the-mud, judgmental Puritan? What if people who are on restrictive diets and appear obsessed with fitness are to be applauded for their self-control?
That does NOT mean we should necessarily do any of the above ourselves, especially if we do so for the wrong reasons - that is, if we are not doing so out of our faith - ie; just so we can feel superior to others, flaunt our bodies, or if it becomes an idol, etc. However, what if we recognized the conviction of the people who are living those lifestyles? What if we sacrificed our freedom to eat meat, drink alcohol or eat rich foods out of love for these people and more importantly for God who made them?
"It is right for you to abstain from certain meats and wine (or anything else for that matter) if it prevents your brother from falling in his faith. Hold on to what you believe about these issues, but keep them between you and God. A happy man does not judge himself by the lifestyle he endorses."
- Romans 14:21-22 The Voice Bible
I realize this may be a jump, because if their faith is non-existent, then we can't hurt it by exercising our freedom to enjoy these things. However, if you aren't a believer, who are you going to want to listen to more - someone who respects and admires your self-control and beliefs or someone who implies they're ridiculous or simply rejects them by indulging in your presence? Are we forgetting 1 Corinthians 9:19 where Paul said he would even make himself a slave, to win as many as possible (souls)?
Yes, the world is off and doesn't get it. Yes, people are looking for love in all the wrong places. Yes, it is obsessed with looks, fitness and food. Yes, in our pluralistic society, anything goes belief-wise, tolerance is required of everything, it seems, except Christian principles. However, are we more likely to win hearts for Jesus by denouncing people's behavior as empty and hypocritical (even though it is!) or by sharing with them God's deep, fulfilling love for them, sacrificing our own personal freedoms if necessary?
This is really hard for me, and I'm not aiming this at anyone in particular except me! So, if you felt convicted by it, I promise that was not my intent, but may God use me as He sees fit!
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