Last night I was up reading Romans 14 over and over (because Paul is hard for me to grasp on a good day).
As I understand it, at the time, the epistle was written to address the policy changes that were made with regards to what believers ate and the days delegated for worship. What was forbidden - no longer was. Days deemed as holy - no longer demanded ritual.
And this did not settle well with many saints. I get that actually. Policy change in a church always stirs the pot. Those who like the old ways and those who embrace the new ways often clash.
I was reading yet another article about Don Cherry - a national treasure (and I don't say that sarcastically) - fired from Coaches Corner for the words he spoke. As I read the frustration in the author's words, I realized what Paul was trying to say.
In this country, there are "new rules of relating to others" and "old ways of relating to others" - some call it matters of political correctness, others refer to it as issues of verbal excrement. Whatever you call it, it's messy stuff - like, explosive diarrhea messy.
Don Cherry represents an old way of relating to "the other" which is: to say it like it is, honestly and as he sees it . The new way of relating is to find true narrative without singling out race, color, religion, or orientation .
Or as Paul puts it - One eats meat, one eats herbs (verse 2).
At the heart of it, each are held in the love and grace of God (verse 4&15). Paul entreats the saints not to find fault with the other, regardless of whether they are right or whether they are wrong (verse 3,10,13). He commends both for their choice of conviction (verse 5) and pleads that they do not stray from the true gospel of Christ which is "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost" (verse 17). He emphasizes peace (verse 19).
I think in the last verse (23) he is saying that the true issue - where we must stand and defend - is in our faith (Peace, righteousness and joy) and doubting these principles is the true sin - not what you "eat" (or where you stand of matters of political correctness).
This is hard stuff to accept, especially when you think you are right because, shouldn't you stand up for what is right, after all?
According to Paul, no. And of course, yes.
But we are not asked to stand up for our opinion but rather, for our faith in peace, righteousness, and joy (verse 17).
Quite frankly, it is easier to say it like it is or to demand complete inclusivity than it is to practice the principles of peace.
It doesn't matter if you stand in the right of this issue if you hold contempt in your heart for those who stand in the wrong (verse 14)... it is the contempt that is the problem, not the opinion. I believe when Paul uses the word stumbling block (verse 13) he is referring to contempt and all its relations (anger, contention, intolerance, hatred, violence, war).
The contempt is dripping like poison everywhere. I can admit, I have felt the bitter taste on my tongue and have washed it down with self-righteous justification.
And Paul asks,"Stacy, where is your faith?"
I say, "Here in my words! I'm fighting for it!"
And Paul asks,"What is your faith?"
I declare,"Justice."
And Paul asks,"At what cost do you fight?"
I confess,"Peace."
And God in Heaven holds me in His love and grace.
Even as I squirm to be released.
And Peace speaks,
"Be still and know that I am God.
Be still and know that I am.
Be still and know.
Be still.
Be."
