Did you know that no two zebras have the same stripe pattern? Much like humans have different fingerprints. We aren't alike, yet we are, aren't we?
Therein lies the problem with us humans. We expect everyone to be like us, to think like us, after all "our way of thinking, our way of looking at things is right", right?? Umm, no. And that's when judgements form, and disagreements begin. Trying to win someone over to our way of thinking, our way of doing something, our standard of right and wrong.
Please, don't misunderstand. Our standards are often just that, OUR standards. But, there IS one standard for the church; it is God's, not man's. There is right and wrong, and it is written for all to see in His word. However, not everything is black and white, as the zebra's stripes are. Romans 14-15 and 1 Corinthians 8 tell us that some early Christians thought it was wrong to eat meat sacrificed to idols, and others, like the apostle Paul, thought the eating of meat was not right or wrong, it was just the eating of meat. His point was, "Don't force your opinion on another, as a standard of right or wrong". Let love be what guides your words, thoughts, and actions. Be selfless, be willing to forgo your freedom, (your judgement ), in matters that are just that, judgements.
We are never to compromise God's absolute standard's of right and wrong,. But in matters of little consequence, we must submit ourselves out of love to each other.
I can hear you thinking. But how do you know the difference? Good question. I am afraid I have a too simplistic answer. Study His word, dialogue with other Christians, and not just those you know will share your opinion. Pray, and ask God. He will let you know. The God who made each zebra to be different, yet look so alike, is the same God that can handle your questions, and guide you to the answers.
"Let us pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another"
Romans 14:19
Good luck my friend. Just keep seeking Him!
Therein lies the problem with us humans. We expect everyone to be like us, to think like us, after all "our way of thinking, our way of looking at things is right", right?? Umm, no. And that's when judgements form, and disagreements begin. Trying to win someone over to our way of thinking, our way of doing something, our standard of right and wrong.
Please, don't misunderstand. Our standards are often just that, OUR standards. But, there IS one standard for the church; it is God's, not man's. There is right and wrong, and it is written for all to see in His word. However, not everything is black and white, as the zebra's stripes are. Romans 14-15 and 1 Corinthians 8 tell us that some early Christians thought it was wrong to eat meat sacrificed to idols, and others, like the apostle Paul, thought the eating of meat was not right or wrong, it was just the eating of meat. His point was, "Don't force your opinion on another, as a standard of right or wrong". Let love be what guides your words, thoughts, and actions. Be selfless, be willing to forgo your freedom, (your judgement ), in matters that are just that, judgements.
We are never to compromise God's absolute standard's of right and wrong,. But in matters of little consequence, we must submit ourselves out of love to each other.
I can hear you thinking. But how do you know the difference? Good question. I am afraid I have a too simplistic answer. Study His word, dialogue with other Christians, and not just those you know will share your opinion. Pray, and ask God. He will let you know. The God who made each zebra to be different, yet look so alike, is the same God that can handle your questions, and guide you to the answers.
"Let us pursue the things that make for peace and the building up of one another"
Romans 14:19
Good luck my friend. Just keep seeking Him!
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