“For none of us lives for himself and none of us dies for himself. If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:7 – 8, NET. Members of the body of Christ should not promote their unique understanding as a universal standard. No one has the right to impose personal preference on other members of the body of Christ. All people belong to God; therefore, no one has dominion over those who belong to God. Meticulous adherence to any denomination-specific teachings, doctrines, and standards of conduct is not proof of a Spirit-guided understanding of the objective truths of the gospel.
The appropriate sign of spiritual transformation acceptable to God is steadfast adherence to the law of selfless love. Strict adherence to the non-essentials is a sin when imposed on other members of the body of Christ. However, a less-than-perfect adherence to the non-essentials is not a sin. It may not be the preferred state, but it is not a sin. Whatever we do to any servant of Jesus Christ, we have done it to Jesus Christ. Mathew 25:40. Members of the body of Christ should always adhere to the rule, “in all things charity.”
All members of the body of Christ have the right to their convictions and understanding. However, each member must accept that all members of the community of believers have the right to have their understanding. However, all understandings of the objective truth must be Christ-centered. Personal convictions are important if guided by the Holy Spirit. No one has the right to arrogate their views and understanding to others. A Christian lifestyle, preferred by one group, should not be promoted as a universal standard. Everything must be examined in light of right and wrong. If it causes controversies and division, it is wrong. Members of the body of Christ must treat one another with selfless love in all circumstances.
Continued in the next blog.
