THE LAW OF LIBERTY

052 – DECEMBER 2007

THE LAW OF LIBERTY

One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Romans 14. It is often referred to as The Law of Liberty (what an interesting grouping of words).
It is a short discourse that answers the questions about those non sin issues that tend to separate and cause disagreement among folks … what to eat, what to wear, when to stand, when to sit, where you should go, etc.

Romans 14:2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only herbs. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him
5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

That verse contains a great word template that you can fill with all those silly ‘things’ that have the potential to stir discord and dissension:
He who ---------, --------‘s to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not --------, to the Lord he does not --------, and gives God thanks.
Example - He who wears blue jeans to church, wears blue jeans to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not wear blue jeans to church, to the Lord he does not wear blue jeans, and gives God thanks.
Ditto - raises their hands during ‘worship’, wears make-up, wears gaudy jewelry, covers their head, allows ‘entertainment’ in the church service (that will get me in trouble), etc.

The Christmas Season presents a few challenges. This festive season road contains a religious rut where one could become a bit legalistic and judgmental … questioning all the “things” that others do during the season:
You can add to the template: decorate a tree, shop for gifts, attend a party, heartily sing “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas”, allow your kids to watch the Grinch, or allow your kids to believe in Santa (definitely in trouble now), etc.

For the next few weeks of this Christmas season – Relax regarding other folk’s choices that are different from yours. Remember that this is about the birth of Christ. It’s a big, big birthday celebration for the one died for you.
Stay joyful! Greet one another with warmth and kindness. Let everyone do their thing and just make sure that you bring Christ into whatever you choose to do or that you choose not to do.