Romans 14:13-16 (15)
Unaware that mischievous men were entering the town\’s General Store the small town was fast asleep. They moved furtively through the store bent on their devious task. The price tags on the merchandise were switched one after another. A riding lawnmower was now priced at $13.95. A fur coat was priced at $6.00. A pair of shoes was priced at $1,500.00. An umbrella was priced at $350.00.
For years many have misinterpreted the lesson taught in this passage of scripture by switching the labels. Paul taught that those with a strong faith understood their freedom in Christ and were not hobbled by the rules, traditions and man-made laws of their peers in the church. But today many teach that those of strong faith are those who have not compromised the rules, traditions and man-made laws of their peers in the church.
Paul taught that those with a weak faith did not understood their freedom in Christ and were hobbled by the rules, traditions and man-made laws of their peers in the church. But today many teach that those with a weak faith are those who compromise the rules, traditions and man-made laws of their peers in the church.
In spite of this confusion, Paul’s admonition still is seriously important. If we see that our brother is overly conscientious, holding personal convictions that have no biblical basis, we who are strong in faith, understanding our freedom in Christ, must limit our freedom so that do not offend our brother causing him to experience spiritual confusion or frustration.
By Dr. Gayle Woods