My friends my heart is heavy this morning and I am greatly grieved in my spirit. I see so much arguing in the church over doctrines of small issues. There is such diverse traditions among people, that have often become law for some. Many of these laws or rules are imposed upon others in a legalistic fashion often resulting in driving people away from God rather than draw them to God.
Men stand firm on many issues. Some will preach and teach a rigid appearance and dress code, others attack other things such as kept holidays. Much of these things that are believed and taught in various assemblies are in error, but they all are condemnation and lack charity and grace toward fellow brethren."Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 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 14:1-13) Authorized King James Version of 1611
If we in our personal walk believe that a woman cannot cut her hair regardless of teaching to the contrary, then do this for yourself unto the Lord and do not condemn your brother over it. If you believe that you should have a beard and that there is nothing wrong with it, then do not condemn you brother that remains clean shaven by his own tradition. If you believe that it is a sin to observe a holiday such as Christmas, then do not keep it. Do not condemn not your brother who may keep the holiday for traditions sake or other reasons not known to you.
It is good for us to come together to share in these things and say why we believe what we believe and discuss them without condemnation of the one that keeps or the one that does not keep it.
It is my hope that the things that I write here are received as things that I believe or that God has revealed to me. I share them as a teacher and an elder in the Church of God and not as a condemnation of those that do not keep them.
Nothing that I write here is intended as an attack on any person, assembly or organization. I too am imperfect and will stand before God as all will and give an account.
God has shown me much error in the Church and I feel led to expose that error. Admittedly I am often reluctant to do as I know it will cause brethren to rise up against me. I say these things because I know they are true and am led by the Holy Spirit to say them. I do not say them to attack anyone or any group but I desire to fellowship with all brethren in peace.
I may believe that there is nothing wrong with a man having a beard, but if you believe we should be clean shaven I have no condemnation of you. I may believe there is nothing wrong with keeping a family holiday on the day that the world calls Christmas. But if you believe that has pagan roots and is sin to do so then I accept that for you and have no condemnation of you.
In short, I have no personal interest in keeping the Christmas holiday for my sake, but it is for the sake of my unsaved family members who do. Should I alienate my family driving them further away with such a condemnation toward whom God has not yet saved?
I have seen the much harm that legalism has done in homes. We all as the head of our households need to draw our own line for our families. I as the family patriarch of my family have saved and unsaved alike that still come together as family. On some matters I stand firm regarding many issues in my home. On other things that are small, I give grace that comes from charity.
Posted by bondservant at 12:14:39. Filed under: General
Comments
Add Comment