June 11, 2020
Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 5-7
New Testament Reading: Romans 14

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. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself. Still, to someone who considers a thing to be unclean, to that one it is unclean. For if your brother or sister is hurt by what you eat, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy, by what you eat, someone for whom Christ died. Romans 14:13-15

Worship Wars – Christian fighting and bickering among themselves.  What style of music is permissible to sing in worship services, what style of dress is permissible, dictating which version of the Bible is to be used, and the list goes on and on.  Today amid COVID 19 the Worship Wars are stronger than ever.  Should we gather for worship or stay quarantined? Should Sunday School meet? Do you have to wear a mask? Is it alright to shake hands?

Worship Wars are not new to our generation. For as long as we have had organized church and people with personal preferences, there has been conflict.  James said, What is the source of wars and fights among you? Don’t they come from your passions that wage war within you? James 4:1

In Paul’s day meat was sacrificed to idols and then sold in the market.  Many Jewish Believers felt that if they bought the meat and ate it, they were indirectly supporting the idol worship and eating meat that was unclean.  Others felt that since they did not believe in the idols, it did not matter if they ate the meat. This division caused great controversy in the early church.

Unfortunately, there are many “grey areas” like these that Christians face.  Some activities we know are wrong because the Bible clearly condemns them.  Other activities we know are right because the Bible clearly commands them.  But when it comes to areas that are not clearly defined in Scripture, we find ourselves needing some other kind of guidance. 

Paul gave principles of this guidance.  He explained how Believers could disagree on some issues and still maintain unity in the church. Certainly, we all have our opinions and disagreement with other Christians are sometimes unavoidable.  Christ commanded us to love one another not necessarily to agree with one another. 

It is not our responsibility to decide the requirements for Christian fellowship in our churches; only the Lord can do this.  To set-up man-made restrictions based on personal convictions, makes us no better than the Pharisees that Jesus denounced. 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. v13

Yes, we need to hold our fellow Believers accountable in doctrinal areas and with their personal walk with God.  But in areas where Scripture does not provide clear direction, we need to exercise grace and allow them their freedom in Christ.  Perhaps St. Augustine put the matter best; “In essentials unity, in nonessentials liberty, in all things love.”