Stumbling Block

July 18

2 Chronicles 13-15

Psalm 81:6-10

Proverbs 18:9-10

Romans 14

Stumbling Block

“Therefore, let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.  I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself.  But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.  If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.”    Romans 14:13-14 NIV

This is a difficult passage.  We are not bound by the same dietary practices that were part of the Law.  God was very specific with the Israelites about the foods they were able to eat, and which ones were banned.  Reading it from our cultural perspective, this seems arbitrary, but I’m sure God had important reasons to ban those foods.  They did not have the sanitation and refrigeration capabilities that we have today.  God was protecting them from illness and disease resulting from many food-borne bacteria.  But I think these verses can apply to many other areas of liberty.   Growing up in the Baptist church there were things considered taboo that are not necessarily supported biblically.  Drinking alcohol, dancing, playing cards, and even Bingo were frowned upon.  Obviously, drunkenness, gambling, and dancing in inappropriate ways are sinful and should be avoided, but drinking in moderation, playing cards and dancing are not prohibited in the Bible.  Adding rules and regulations that are not in the Bible makes us no different from the Pharisees.  However, this passage encourages us to be sensitive to those around us in using our liberty.  If we are with someone who is weaker in the faith, we should consider whether participating in any activity would be a stumbling block for them.  If drinking in front of them will cause them to sin, then we should forego drinking when they are present.  We should not encourage them to participate in any activity that would be detrimental to their faith.

We also need to be very careful not to judge others with rules and regulations that are based on tradition and not scripture.  Looking down on others is strictly prohibited in scripture.  Jesus tells us very plainly, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.”  Luke 6:37 (NIV) We should prayerfully consider our actions and ask God to lead us in making wise choices regarding our own behaviors.  We are not allowed to judge others based on their behaviors.  Thinking we are more holy because we do not drink alcohol or have a tattoo or say bad words is prideful and more sinful than those behaviors.  We are accountable to God for our actions, and they are accountable for theirs.