by[21] “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.” – Romans 14:21 (NIV)
Back in the early church, there were several misconceptions about the food people ate. Some Israelites resorted to not eating with non-Israelites (gentiles). Others, too, ate foods served to idols, which was bad. Because spiritually mature believers were scarce in those days, many believers felt confused about this doctrine. Paul, knowing this, decided to solve it by saying that a believer must weigh how their actions affect others, especially concerning food.
Today, this has changed. However, other factors have also emerged that apply this principle. For example, some denominations don’t eat pork. In contrast, others do because they feel everything God created is good and must be received with understanding (see 1 Timothy 4:14). Whatever the case may be, you must weigh how your actions affect others in the faith, especially those who are immature in Christ, to understand certain things.
Does Paul, saying this, shift our attention as believers to be people pleasers? Of course not. The goal is to protect the weak in faith from stumbling with an instantaneous action you do, not to live with the sole reason of pleasing others every time. This principle applies more to instances than entire lifetimes. Consider the people around you when you attempt to do something you know is not sinful before God, but may not sound pleasing to onlookers.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for saving me. Help me to live with the sole reason of pleasing You all the days of my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 216
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