July 14 | Romans 14:1-17
- Kim Starr
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Judgement is for the Lord
By Kim Starr
In my devotion last month, a reader commented that she was surprised by my statement that, “there are no degrees of faith.” I responded to her that her assertion that not everyone’s faith is the same was correct; however, the faith itself, whether or not you believe in Jesus Christ and that he was sent to earth to die for our sins, either exists or it doesn’t. In today’s passage, Paul is reiterating something similar. He tells us to accept the faith that everyone has, even if it disagrees with the faith we have. We are not to judge one another’s differences; rather, whatever we do, or however we observe, we are to do it out of gratitude to honor the Lord. The focus shifts from personal freedom to loving consideration for others.
To that end, we are not to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not to put stumbling blocks or obstacles in the way of a fellow Christian. It is ok for us to disagree about what we should or should not eat, or what days are more sacred than others, or what is clean or unclean. But it is up to God, and God alone, to accept us or not. Instead of condemning others, we are to live and die for the Lord. As Paul states, the kingdom of God is a matter of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s ministry was built on the idea that the Gospel unites Christian believers into one body. He urged us to value love and community over cultural preferences. We are to remember that God is the absolute judge of us all. We are not the judge of each other. Some day, each of us will stand before God’s judgement seat where we will give an account of ourselves to God. He alone will determine if he accepts us.
PRAYER
Lord, it is very easy for us to judge others and assert who is right and who is wrong. Please take this attitude from us. Instead, help us to focus on living and dying for you and your kingdom, righteousness, peace and joy. Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Starr
I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.
I know of several people who have lost there faith in God do to others telling them their beliefs or way of living is a sin and they are not welcome in their churches. I try to remind them that God made them just the way they are to serve others in similar situations. Dave Man once gave a sermon that sin is sin. It’s not up to us to destroy another because we think someone else’s is worse than our own. We all ask for forgiveness at the end the day and believe Got is gracious and all forgiving. So because of Christ All sin is forgiven.
Romans 14: 4-5 reinstated, who the heck do we think we are to judge another servant of God? Perhaps our servant clothes are not fitting as they should. Darn that plank is in my line of sight.
Such important words for the world we live in now. It seems like it has become so difficult to 'agree to disagree' in just about any subject, let alone faith and how it is put into practice. Thanks for your insight today, Kim.