LEGALISM - Don't judge or be a stumbling block

Paul gives us another nugget here that seems to have often been taken out of context and misused.

Paul tells us not to pass judgement on one another because of what we choose to do and what others choose to do (v.1-10). If we eat meat, we shouldn't look down on those that choose to be vegetarians...and vice-versa. Taken to another level, if we send our kids to public school, don't look down on those that pay to send their kids to private schools or choose to home-school...and vice-versa.

Beware of legalism. It's not wrong to have a preference, but elevating that preference to a truth isn't right. So many claim that things they do, or don't do, are biblical...when honestly and truthfully, when observed in context and against the whole of scripture, are unfounded.

In the end of this passage (v.20-23), Paul tells us "in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean it itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean". Again, it's not wrong to have preferences that if you feel they aid in keeping you on the straight-and-narrow. Those of us that are more liberal with what the Lord has provided (meat, wine, education system, medical practice, etc), we need to be aware that some of our fellow believers that struggle with being open to some of those things. While we shouldn't let those blessing from God be spoken of as evil, out of courtesy we should honor those who struggle with such things abstain in their presence.

But remember, this warning goes out to all, both the more liberal and the more conservative. It's a two way street and we must all act to "pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding" (v.19).

Created 12 months ago