Scripture to Read: Romans 14:19–21
We know our lives are to be pleasing to our Lord since He’s given us His Holy Spirit to be able to walk in this manner. Today, God also tells us what else we must pursue in Romans 14:19–21: “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. 20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. 21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles.” God’s handiwork in us produces His peace and builds others up, so God wants us to pursue the things that lead to our spiritual growth in Him. Then God comes back and warns us to be sure we don’t do anything for the sake of food, drink, or anything else we consider “our right” to tear down His Work. Though God says that all things are clean, if a weaker brother or sister in Christ considers it unclean then we are in the wrong if we go ahead and do something that causes them to stumble. God repeats Himself here, not because His Word the first time is not enough but because He knows we need reminders of what it takes to honor Him at all times. God even had Paul write something similar in 1 Corinthians 8:9, so we know we must always be on guard not to cause anyone else to stumble.
Challenge & Application
· How are you pursuing the characteristics of God in you so that you are seeing spiritual growth in your life?
· God does not want us tearing down His work in anyone’s life, so how are you living so you’re building others up in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!