UNITY
Romans 14:5–20
Disagreement (5–8)
The disagreements between Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome still live on today. Jewish believers wanted to follow their traditions and rituals, but Gentile believers had no desire to follow those rules.
Today, we see different denominations and church splits that arise out of doctrinal disagreements or even preferences. Someone has said that all you need to start a new church is a coffee pot and a grudge!
But unity in the Church is one of the validations that we belong to Jesus. Psalm 133:1 says, “How delightfully good when brothers live together in harmony!” So how do we deal with different opinions and disagreements? German theologian Rupertus Meldenius gives some good advice when he says, “In essentials, unity. In nonessentials, liberty. In all things, charity.” Simply put, we need to keep “the main thing the main thing.” We need to be really careful about elevating our opinions or man’s traditions to be equal with the Word of God.
Where the Bible speaks, we need to declare it clearly. Where it is silent, we need to match that with our understanding that there can be a variety of opinions and handle those differences with grace.
Consider how your church feels about dancing, social drinking, gambling or tattoos? Are these feelings based on Scripture or personal preference?
Accountability (9–12)
Paul goes on to emphasize that we all belong to Jesus Christ. He died and rose again to be the Lord of both the living and the dead. On that basis, we need to understand that we will all give an answer to the Lord for how we treated our brothers and sisters. The judgment seat of Christ — also known as the bema seat — is where Christians will stand before the Lord, not for salvation but for rewards.
In light of this passage, how should we live our lives and treat fellow believers?
Love (13–18)
Love is the rule for believers. Stronger believers should help weaker believers. In matters of conscience, stronger believers should set aside their “rights” so they will not become a stumbling block to weaker believers.
With that in mind, I ask the deacons in my church to abstain from the use of alcohol as a beverage while they are serving their term. I do this because our church hosts multiple Alcoholics Anonymous groups, and I have seen the damage caused by alcohol abuse. The Kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but rather righteousness, peace and joy.
Who were some mature Christians who modeled Christian grace for you?
Edification (19–20)
The Bible says, “So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free” (John 8:36). However, we are called to limit our freedom if that will help weaker brothers and sisters in their walk. We need to edify one another. We need to guard the unity of the faith.
I would encourage every believer to read the book “I Am A Church Member” by Thom Rainer. He draws a distinction between being a church member and a member of a country club.
A member of a country club pays their dues and expects services. Church members tithe and surrender their preferences to the Lord.
Why is disunity such a powerful weapon of Satan against the Church?
By Don Fugate
Senior pastor of Foxworthy Baptist Church in San Jose, California
