Romans 14:17-19 For the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for Peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

 

There is a rather new phrase commonly used these days in child rearing.  When a child does something that we determine to be wrong, the parent or teacher will say, "That is not acceptable behavior.” Whatever the child has done does not meet the standard of the parent; therefore, it is unacceptable behavior.”

 

Whenever a child does something that does not meet the standard of the parent, it is unacceptable. Children seek to please their parents and be acceptable in their sight. Everyone wants to be accepted and not rejected. As children of God, all believers want to be acceptable to their Heavenly Father.

 

Every person is acceptable to God, but not all behavior is acceptable. The Apostle Paul wrote on this subject in his letter to the Romans. Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. This entire Passage is very informative as it speaks of not judging others or causing them to stumble but being a good example, living our lives in Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit. 

 

Let us not therefore judge one another: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who esteems any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.  (Romans 14:13-14)

 

Anything we do that will cause another to stumble in their faith or walk with God is not acceptable behavior on our part. An example of this would be to offer a glass of wine to someone who struggles with alcoholism. Although you may not be hindered by an occasional glass of wine, it could cause your friend to stumble and fall back into the sin that haunts them. To even have wine or alcohol in their midst would be a stumbling block and not acceptable.

 

The same would be true with anything that might cause an individual to slip back into sin. This would even include certain foods and activities. A person who has a propensity to gamble should not be put in a situation where they could fall back into this sin. For instance, although there is nothing wrong with watching a horse race, taking that person to the races would not be in their best interest. It may be all fun and games to you, but to them......it could very well be life-threatening. 

 

So how do you know? You don't. That's why it's far better to err on the side of Righteousness, and Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit and not take the chance. Any action on our part that causes another to stumble is not acceptable behavior. We must always consider other people at all times. Jesus said, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We know this as the Golden Rule, and there is no better rule to live by. 

 

Let this Verse be our prayer today and every day: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your Sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

 

The Word of God will........turn the tide.......in your life.

 

Loving God's Word,      Doreen

 

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