Don’t be an obstacle

Romans 14:13-27, Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this — not to be an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself, but to him who thinks anything, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with food him whom Christ died. Therefore, do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So, then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food, all things indeed are clean. For the man who eats and gives offense, it is good not to eat meat or to drink wine or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.” The beginning of this chapter says, “Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgement on his opinions.” These words are strong words. Jesus pointed out many times how the priest and Pharisees thought of themselves as righteous because they followed the law in their deeds. In their hearts, however, they did not follow God. They pointed out the actions of Jesus sitting and eating with sinners. In Luke 6:7 “And the scribes and the Pharisees were watching Him closely to see if He healed on the Sabbath in order that they might find reason to accuse Him.” Jesus knew what they were thinking. He told the man with the withered hand to rise and come forward. “And Jesus said to them, “I ask you is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or destroy it?” Romans 2:1 says, “Therefore, you are without excuse every man of you who passes judgement for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.” What things was this verse talking about. Romans 1:18-32 tells us. When you begin to read you may stop midway and think I don’t do these things. But verses 29-31 captures things we may have done; without understanding; untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful, strife, deceit, malice, they are gossips. There was a reason Jesus said in Matthew 7:3-5. “Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge you will be judged and by your stand of measure it will be measured to you. Any why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, “let me take the speak out of your own eye” and behold the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite first take the log out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” We must be careful not to be an obstacle to anyone. Romans 2:4 sums it up, “or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God lead you to repentance.” God, and God, alone leads to repentance. His kindness and forbearance and patience, His love for us that while we weren’t yet sinners, Christ died for all. Be careful in how you walk. Don’t let the log blind you.