Consider Romans 14:1-6 which is such a significant passage. To be sure there are those a c tiv itie s judged by many believers to be definitely questionable as far as our participation as saints is in volved. Unquestionably, there ex ists in our generation scores of doubtful and even sinful practices. Some of these will divide churches and separate Christians. Because of increasing complications in this sin-weary world the Bible cannot speak to every point of activity. There are, however, certain prin c ip le s wh ich shou ld gu ide us. Three of these principles are set before us in Romans 14. We must remember that our ap proach to others should always be from the standpoint of unselfish ness. Early Christians in Rome had experienced division in their ranks over the place which the laws and customs of the past religious life should hold in their new economy. Some thought that it did not mat ter what they ate or drank, or whe ther to attach religious significance to certain days. There was com plete liberty. Others took the op posite view in practicing strict ob servances. Paul's advice is based on a proper display of unselfish consideration for the convictions of others. So should we be admon ished. The Apostle discourages fault-finding and criticism. How we
should learn this in our churches today! As far as born-again Chris tians are concerned we are to re spect the convictions of others, where they do not deal with mat ters involving the principles of sal vation. Verse four reminds us that every believer holds the position of serv ant and not master. What really matters is that we must do what we feel will be honoring to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must not be censorious or judge any who sin cerely believe that they can best honor the Lord by an opposite course than ours. The stoic philos ophers used to speak of things be ing of themselves neither good nor bad. According to them it all de pended on how it was used. Two Christian people may differ with regard to whether they hold a thing to be harmful or harmless. The two should not condemn each other. The one who thinks he is right ought, for the sake of the other's conscience, refrain from exercising his liberty in this re gard (Rom. 14:13). This is an un selfish consideration of the scru ples of a Christian brother. It gives evidence of a real genuine love. Life is filled with many prob lems. True strength of character comes not from avoiding them, but from facing them in the over coming power of God's Holy Spir-
Biola Broadcaster is an official publication of Biola College and Talbot Theological Seminary, and is available as a complimentary gift to those Christian friends who regularly share in the ministry of the school by personal moral support, prayer support, and financial assistance. These Christian friends comprise "The Biola Fellowship." For information on how YOU can become a partner in Biola's great ministry simply write: The Biola Fellowship, 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, California 90638. S------------------------------------— ____________________ r Page 39
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