Fred's Devotional # 50 "How to Handle Differences over Disputable Matters

Some things are clearly right and wrong. We know it's wrong to lie, steal, or commit adultery. There are other areas that are not so cut and dry and my depend on where the individual is in their walk with the Lord. Today's passage will give us some guidance in this area. Read it thoughtfully.

1 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.
2-4For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ's table, wouldn't it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn't eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God's welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.

5Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience". Romans 14:1-5, The Message

Fred's Reflections: In matters of how we dress, how we wear our hair, what we eat; these are matters that the individual Christian must decide before the Lord, depending on where they are in their walk with God. The questions they have to ask are these: Does it draw me away from God? Does it offend my brother? Does it bring shame on the name of Christ? Can I glorify Christ while doing this thing? Does it bother my Christian conscience? For example, before I became a Christian I loved soul and R & B music. After I got saved, I had to stop listening to it because it drew me away from Christ and back to thoughts of my previous lifestyle. Today, as an mature Christian, it does not hinder my relationship with God to listen to a James Brown or Marvin Gaye song. On the other hand, If I was riding in my car with a young believer who just gave his life to Christ, I would not turn to an R & B station if I knew this music could draw him away from Christ.

Let's pray: Lord help me to obey you in the things I know to do right. In the grey areas, help me to me to live my life in a way that keeps me close to you, honors Jesus and is sensitive to my brothers and sisters. In Jesus Name! Amen