I think you’ll agree that I’m right. Since that is true, it must follow that you’re wrong. I mean, the second just logically flows from the first, right? If we can all just agree on that, life would be much, much easier. It is so simple…if only it were true!
On one hand, the Bible clearly teaches that there are some non-negotiable facts about the Christian faith.
For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all. Ephesians 4:4-6 (NLT)
On the other hand, the Bible clearly teaches that we ought to unite around those non-negotiable facts and avoid dividing over things that are less clear or less important. In addition to holding fast to the non-negotiables, each of us inevitably hold fast to some beliefs or customs because of our maturity, background, personality or preferences. Paul said this is ok, especially considering that each of us is at a different place in our spiritual walk.
Accept other believers who are weak in faith, and don’t argue with them about what they think is right or wrong. Romans 14:1 (NLT)
Paul goes on to give the example of those who believe it is wrong to eat certain food. He was convinced that there no foods considered ‘unclean’ by God, but also recognized that some Christians continued to be convinced that certain foods were to be avoided.
Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Romans 14:20-22a (NLT)
Paul then goes a step further to say that we should each follow our convictions, or we will be sinning.
Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. Romans 14:22b-23 (NLT)
The challenge of course, is to constantly reevaluate our convictions against what Scripture says about them. We should continue to grow and follow our convictions along the way. We should strive for our convictions to be the convictions of Christ, not of man. Paul is not give license for us to believe anything we want.
