Pursuits, Passions, and Peace
Below is my recent adaptation of Romans 14 for the church in 2020. We are no longer striving with one another over meat offered to idols or the observance of Sabbaths and religious holidays, but the principles in Romans 14 are VERY applicable to this contentious time over our response to the current election cycle and the government's response to COVID. It's important to offer liberty within the body of Christ and allow for differences in our choice to support Trump or not, to wear or not wear masks, or meet in our churches as usual or adapt in ways that comply with government mandates. As you read through this adapted passage, consider the biblical mandate here to walk in love with one another in the body of Christ.
Romans 14:1-13, 19-23 CSB, adapted for the church in 2020:
Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. One person believes he should vote for Trump, while one who is weak thinks he should never vote for Trump. One who votes for Trump must not look down on one who does not, and one who does not vote for Trump must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. One person judges wearing a mask to be a demonstration of love for his neighbor. Someone else judges masks to be a symbol of falling for apostacy. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. Whoever wears a mask, wears it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever votes for Trump, does so for the for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not, it is for the Lord that he does not, and he gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister... So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. Do not tear down God’s work because of elections or mandates. Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever doubts stands condemned if he proceeds, because his action is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.
Romans 14:1-13, 19-23 CSB, adapted for the church in 2020:
Accept anyone who is weak in faith, but don’t argue about disputed matters. One person believes he should vote for Trump, while one who is weak thinks he should never vote for Trump. One who votes for Trump must not look down on one who does not, and one who does not vote for Trump must not judge one who does, because God has accepted him. Who are you to judge another’s household servant? Before his own Lord he stands or falls. And he will stand, because the Lord is able to make him stand. One person judges wearing a mask to be a demonstration of love for his neighbor. Someone else judges masks to be a symbol of falling for apostacy. Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind. Whoever wears a mask, wears it for the honor of the Lord. Whoever votes for Trump, does so for the for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; and whoever does not, it is for the Lord that he does not, and he gives thanks to God. For none of us lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Christ died and returned to life for this: that he might be Lord over both the dead and the living. But you, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or you, why do you despise your brother or sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow to me, and every tongue will give praise to God. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. Therefore, let us no longer judge one another. Instead decide never to put a stumbling block or pitfall in the way of your brother or sister... So then, let us pursue what promotes peace and what builds up one another. Do not tear down God’s work because of elections or mandates. Whatever you believe about these things, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But whoever doubts stands condemned if he proceeds, because his action is not from faith, and everything that is not from faith is sin.
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