Some standards and practices in our local churches are traditional but not necessarily scriptural. Can you remember when dedicated Christians opposed Christian radio ‘because Satan was the prince of the power of the air?” Some people still make Bible translation use a test of orthodoxy. The church is divided and weakened because Christians will not allow Jesus Christ to be Lord.

Think about it. No Christian has the right to “play God” in another Christian’s life. We can pray, advise, and even admonish, but we cannot take the place of God. What is it that makes a dish of food “holy” or a day “holy”? It is the fact that we relate it to the Lord. Paul carefully emphasized the believer’s union with Christ: “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:8, NIV). Our first responsibility is to the Lord. If Christians went
to the Lord in prayer instead of to their brothers with criticism, our churches would certainly have a renaissance of fellowship.

Verse for today: “For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living” (Romans 14:9, NIV).

Take time to read: Romans 14:1-23; 1 Corinthians 10:23-33; Galatians 5:13-26.

Action assignment: Which is more important to you: letting Christ be Lord or maintaining your own view of things? What happens when the two seem to conflict? Which is victor?

Mentally list several issues that have divided or have the potential of dividing your church or fellowship group. What did you do, or what can you do, to alleviate the tensions arising as the result of these issues? Ask God to help you be more sensitive to His truth and His grace, the combination that brings love and freedom to every situation.