Scripture to Read: Romans 14:16
We were challenged by God last week, and now God continues to challenge us this week, that we do not allow our freedoms in Christ, our traditions, or our religious rituals to become a hindrance or stumbling block to our weaker brothers and sisters in Christ. So, God had Paul continue to write in Romans 14:16, “Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil.” We discussed in yesterday’s devotion the fact of making sure we love others above our so-called “freedoms,” especially when we know that our “freedoms” are causing our weaker brothers and sisters in Christ to stumble. So, that is why God had Paul clarify that our “freedom” in Christ is a good thing (in Romans 14:16) but that it’s not a good thing if it can be spoken of as evil. So, we must examine why we are doing what we’re doing. God even had Paul, when he wrote to Titus, to warn the young women about their walk with Christ when God had Paul write this in Titus 2:4–5: “so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” The whole point in encouraging the young women to do what they were supposed to do was “so that the word of God will not be dishonored.” We must continually ensure our actions do not dishonor God or His Truth.
Challenge & Application
· What was in your past life but is no longer there that was a good thing but was spoken of as evil?
· As you think about your life, how are you ensuring that your life does not dishonor God or His Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!