A Word of Moderation

[RevDWW]

Here's something I originally Posted on FaithChild:

I have read many threads on FCF, NFCF, and AFF and participated here and there in more than a few. I found my mind and spirit exercised. But, I seem to see a trend where the Libs despise the Con and the Cons judge the Libs. Not in every post mind you but I do see this trend. Maybe we’d do good to examine Romans 14.

Romans 14:2 - 23 (KJV)
1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. 10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. 20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak. 22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. 23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Seems Paul is writing that we’d be better off loving each other and finding a place of peace between us rather than judging and despising each other. I know and preach against sin. I have taught standards as great guidelines for a triumphant life in Christ. Some standards I’ve heard preached all my life I know are not matters of salvation, yet are good for protection. I heard a great man of God preach an awesome message about the Gospel being the bridge. Standards are not the bridge; the bridge is Repentance, Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ, and being baptized in the Spirit. Most good bridges have a rail. That rail is there to keep us on the bridge. Standards can make good rails.

I see Libs flaunting there “liberty” in the face of those that have kept standards in their life as a matter of faith. I see Cons condemning those who are Christ’s children yet don’t see where “meat will kill them”. This ought not to be so. Be fully persuaded in your faith but don’t try and kill off those that don’t see it like you do. Our fighting over standards is not right. Many weak babes in Christ become the collateral damage in a war among our selves. I will fight against those of like faith no more. I will bring my resources for war against our real and common enemy, the Devil. We don’t agree, fine I’ll pray for you till you see the light :icon_oggl or I do :icon_beat. I'll gladly discuss what I believe and why. I'll be glad to give my views. As the word says "Come let us reason together". I just won't try and kill you if your perspective is not from the same vantage point as mine.

I want the world to know I’m His disciple because they see His love flowing out of me, not bitterness or hatred for those with whom I might not agree.

I pray His Grace and Peace to you all!