Read Romans 14:1–12
Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master
he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make
him stand.
Romans 14:4
Two of the most famous Christians in the Victorian era in England
were Charles Spurgeon and Joseph Parker, both of them mighty
preachers of the gospel. Early in their ministries they fellowshipped
and even exchanged pulpits. Then they had a disagreement, and
the reports even got into the newspapers. Spurgeon accused Parker
of being unspiritual because he attended the theater. Interestingly
enough, Spurgeon smoked cigars, a practice many believers would
condemn. Who was right? Who was wrong? Perhaps both of them
were wrong!
When it comes to questionable matters in the Christian life, cannot dedicated believers disagree without being disagreeable? “I have
learned that God blesses people I disagree with!” a friend of mine told
me one day, and I have learned the same thing. When Jesus Christ is
Lord in our lives, we permit Him to deal with His own servants as
He wishes.
Something to Ponder
Is it more difficult to allow Jesus to be Lord of your life or of other
peoples’ lives? Why?