TODAYS BIBLE READING:
 

Many have heard the quote, "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, and in all things charity." Many are cloistered in small cliques and forget the importance of this statement. It is easy to forget that when gathered together in larger groups or when posting something on social media your statements about a whole host of issues may be erecting barriers rather than building bridges to Christ. The important thing for us, who are called to reflect Christ, is that He preached unity, not uniformity. I have seen well meaning individuals tear apart other pastors, other theological positions, etc. Each and every time they could be driving a wedge between what should be a unified body of believers. Worse than that, these non-essential positions might be what drives non-believers to not come into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We can not live our lives haphazardly. We must carefully consider what comes out of our mouths and what we choose to post on social media.

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In Romans 14, Paul hits this issue head on. We read in Romans 14:1, "Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things." After giving examples of a number of potential variables of those who are Christian, he writes in 14:12-13, "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way." He goes on to say these important words in 14:19-20, "Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense."

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There are core essentials of the Christian faith which we cannot waver on. Those who adhere to an all roads lead to God, which is more of a New Age philosophy are speaking apart from what Jesus, Himself, said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." The reality is we cannot know what is an essential or a non-essential unless we become active students of His Word. Once you allow this to be your guide, and you empty the pride which so easily impairs our vision, your arms will open wide as you embrace a much wider group. We are not asked, but commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20, to reach out to the unsaved world and make disciples.