Romans 14:22: Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
Paul is saying, What you believe about neutral things is between you and God. Keep it that way. Moreover, you are a happy (blessed) person if in exercising your liberty you do not condemn yourself by harming another. You are blessed if your exercise of freedom is free from doubt. You are blessed if no one is being scandalized and led toward sin by you. You are blessed because you feel God’s pleasure.
Charles Spurgeon, at the height of his fame, was one day walking down the street and saw a sign which read, “We sell the cigar that Charles Spurgeon smokes,” whereupon Spurgeon gave up the habit. He came to see that what was for him a freedom might cause others to stumble. “Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” 1
Application
- God is wanting our faith to grow out of our daily fellowship with Him. Do you invite Jesus into your daily activities? Have you noticed how constant fellowship with Him makes you more secure about yourself and about your responsibilities in life?
- Remember, condemnation for a believer is never from the Lord. He does correct us and He does encourages us; but He will never condemn us. (Romans 8:1)
Prayer
Lord, I pray for the faith to become more faithful in serving You.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.