Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 11, 2015
If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. Romans 14:15
From time to time I struggle to know what’s best. What’s best for my family? What’s best for the people I serve at work? What’s best for God’s glory? What’s best for me can create unnecessary conflict with my other commitments. I know I need to be willing to sacrifice for what’s best for the whole, but my selfish desires sway my will. When I do something acceptable to me—even to the Lord, but creates fear in my wife, I need to defer to my wife. Why risk our relationship over a preference I have—when I don’t have to have it. What’s best tends to bring out the best in all of us.
Paul brought up a disputable matter during his day that illustrates that Christians held differing opinions. Some believers thought certain meats were contaminated by idols, other followers of Christ had no problem enjoying the same meat at a meal. Paul agreed on the cleanliness of the meat, but made the point that either position was ok, as long as each one thanked God and honored the other. He said we live for the Lord—not for ourselves. We are not to judge one another for our differences, but celebrate our diversity in the Lord. What’s best is what unifies us—not divides us.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).
You may participate in an activity from time to time that is perfectly fine for you, but to a weaker one in the faith, is a stumbling block. You act in love when you walk away from your right to participate for their sake. You replace their distress with security, by doing what’s best for them. Perhaps it’s only a season of self sacrifice, but you do what’s necessary—all for God’s glory. Your conflict may not be food, but drink. What’s best honors another’s preferences.
Above all else, we do what’s best for our relationship with our heavenly Father. When our conscience is not conflicted we can focus on our sweet fellowship with Jesus. He teaches us how to handle His word of truth with loving humility. We receive the Lord’s approval, so we are equipped to approve of others different than ourselves. We cease our battle with other believers so we can battle the enemy together in the power of the Spirit. What’s best ultimately brings glory to God!
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves” (Romans 15:1).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, fill me with Your unselfish love to do what’s best for Your glory.
Related Readings: Ecclesiastes 9:7; 1 Corinthians 8:9-12; 2 Corinthians 10:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:14
Post/Tweet this today: We are not to judge one another for our differences, but celebrate our diversity in the Lord. #whatsbest #wisdomhunters
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