Christian Consideration
Read Romans 14:7-15
“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” (v. 10).
“We won't see John Wesley in heaven, will we?” — When asked this question by one of his followers, George Whitefield humbly replied, “Yes, you're right, we won't see him in heaven. He will be so close to the throne of God, and we will be so far away, that we won't be able to see him!” Even though John Wesley and George Whitefield had serious disagreements about Christian doctrine and practice they still greatly respected each other and refused to call the other person's salvation into question even when the opportunity presented itself. This is a wonderful example for us to follow when we might be tempted to pass judgement on someone else because we do not agree with them on a certain point! The apostle Paul reminds us in this passage that all men must stand before God and give an account of their own actions (including anger and division!). Therefore he exhorts Christians in verse 13 “that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way,” and in verse 19 to “follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Jesus conveys His heart on this when He says in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” He defined “friends” in the parable of the Good Samaritan and demonstrated “greater love” when He died for His enemies on the hill of Calvary. (Kevin Askew)
Let's make sure the hill we choose to die on is not our own soap box!
This devotional is the Tuesday, February 21, 2017 entry of Opening the Word.
