April 13, Romans 15
A baby or spoiled child cares nothing about the comfort or convenience of others. The little one wants what he wants when he wants it. He advises everyone, “It’s my way, or the cry way.” We tolerate it in babies, but it’s irritating with people who are old enough to have a broader view of life than “The World, starring Me, featuring the rest of you as bit players in the supporting cast of my story.”
I hope you’re not tempted to interpret Paul’s words about showing consideration for others as permission to insist on having your way. If you do, you are accepting the role of the weak and immature believer by demanding such consideration—the spiritual equivalent of a pouting child. Most of the people I’ve who known like this see themselves as the mature and strong ones. They’re going to guide the rest of us out of our dark ignorance into the blissful light of doing everything exactly as they like it. But Paul made it clear—such people are the weak ones.
Remember our purpose as maturing disciples is to become more like Jesus. The immature want to hold the rest of the church hostage, demanding their way. Those who are becoming more like Jesus follow his example of not pleasing himself. The Bible writers say he gave himself up, emptied himself, made himself nothing and became a servant—all to glorify God and accomplish the Father’s long-established purpose.
By fulfilling the prophecies written centuries before he came instead of pleasing himself, Jesus encourages us to live in harmony with one another, even with those brothers and sisters who are sometimes difficult. Jesus did what he did to show the faithfulness of God. Through Jesus, God kept all the promises made to Abraham and Israel, and fulfilled all the prophecies about including the Gentiles in the covenant. (Here’s a subtle clue that the threat of division over days and diet was along the racial/cultural line between Gentiles and Jews.)
Paul cast the vision of all believers gathered together in one great, unified group that can, “with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The goal of unity goes far beyond just getting along; it’s so God can be glorified by his people in unison. When we accept or welcome each other in the body of Christ, it is to the glory of God.
Look at the big word Paul uses to describe how we should welcome one another: “as” (as in “as Christ has welcomed you”). How did Christ welcome you? Were you welcomed because you thought and acted just like him? No. Were you welcomed because you were worthy of his fellowship? No. Were you welcomed because you were right about all the essential points of doctrine? No. But he accepted you anyway. And that’s how we’re supposed to accept one another, as Christ has accepted us, for the glory of God.
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—April 2022
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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