freedom and responsibility

Good morning brothers and sisters,
Paul continues his discussion here of food and convictions. The Christian life really boils down to trusting in God's love in Christ and behaving with love at the center of our lives. The observances and guidelines the church develops flow from that. There is a huge amount of freedom in Christian life because the "rules" really don't apply anymore. At the same time, the one law of love for our neighbors and for God is quite demanding if we allow ourselves to really live it. When we really center our lives in love we won't behave in a way that hurts our neighbor because we love them.

In this case that means we can eat whatever we want as far as God is concerned, but if our food choices hurt others we would want to choose otherwise to protect and build them up. We are free, but often our love for others changes the way we use our freedom. Christian ethics is really simple and really hard at the same time. Paul's argument is that anything we do that fits with our faith is fine and anything that doesn't is sinful. The challenge is to truly let our faith, our principles guide all that we do. Fortunately, we are not alone as we seek to be faithful; that's why Paul puts joy in the Holy Spirit at the center of God's kingdom. May your day be full or righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

God bless,
Sam



Friday, 12/3

Romans 14:17-15:4

17For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.18The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. 19Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for you to make others fall by what you eat; 21it is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that makes your brother or sister stumble. 22The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God. Blessed are those who have no reason to condemn themselves because of what they approve. 23But those who have doubts are condemned if they eat, because they do not act from faith; for whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.