December 12

Romans 14-16
During my Christian journey, I have focused on two primary objectives: reaching the lost, and promoting unity.  Justification for this concept can be found throughout scripture, but nowhere more succinct than in these chapters.  In defining his own objectives, Paul writes, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.”  He understood that his time on earth was limited, and he would not be able to reach all the lost in his lifetime.  He also rebukes the church for their divisions: “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat your brother or sister with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”  Instead of standing in judgment on Christians who don’t practice their faith in the same manner as we, Paul’s injunction is to “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”  Think about this statement.  We were steeped in sin when the Lord accepted us.  Yet, our divisions exist because some will not accept others over matters of opinion, or interpretation of scripture.  If the Lord waited for us to share His opinions or interpretation of scriptures, salvation would be very elusive.  Throughout my entire Christian walk, I have been attempting to share the Lord’s opinions and interpretations.  Even though I am closer to that goal than at the beginning, I know that this task will not be completed until I see Him face to face.