So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.
-Romans 14:12-13 (KJV)
Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.
-Romans 14:12-13 (NLT)
I've never realized how true and applicable to today's society Romans 14 is. In this chapter, Paul is teaching the Roman church about criticism. He's talking about the constant nit-picking about the small things that was going on in the church, and the danger and outcome of that nit-picking. There is no truer snapshot of the American church than this right here. I live in the "Bible belt" of America. Let me tell you, the nit-picking is alive and well, right here in East Tennessee. People have their interpretation of Scripture, and they will listen to nothing else. For many churches, here in East Tenn, it's King James only-some King James 1611 only. For some churches, here in East Tenn, women are not allowed to wear pants. I can go on. Is this what Jesus truly had in mind?
In Romans 14:1-6, Paul gives several examples of differing beliefs (one believes it's OK to eat meat, another believes we should only eat vegetables as an example). The small things, the unimportant things (like eating meat) isn't something to nit-pick about. Whether or not a woman wears a dress to church, or a pair of blue jeans is not important. If a Pastor reads out of the English Standard Version or out of the King James is not important. Paul says, in verse 12, "Yes, each of us will give a personal account to God." One day, each of us will stand before the judgement seat of God. Verse 13 says, "So let's stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall." How do we cause others to stumble in their walk? When we try to enforce our man made rules and doctrines, instead of what is in the Word of God.
Make no mistake about this, there are some things that we must not waver from. Following the commands that Jesus gave us is one. But the small things, like the examples of Paul in Romans 14:1-6, those are not really important. So, before you set out to judge someone, make sure that you are enforcing God's rules, and not man's doctrine. Think About It.
