Romans 14:11: For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”
If we are all saved by the same person and event, then we are brothers, no matter how we may disagree with one another over details. If we must all take responsibility for our decisions before God, then we should be busy enough keeping ourselves straight, without condemning or disdaining a brother or sister. We note also that Paul does not hesitate to use the negative warning of the coming judgment to motivate his readers to treat others with respect. Although he customarily emphasizes the good news, he does not shrink from mentioning the darker possibilities. 1
Application
- There is an appointed time in the future when you will literally be knelling before Jesus in heaven. How important will today’s trivial issues really matter then?
- Can you bow your knee in humility today and confess that you need Jesus to take control over the issues and the anxieties in your life right now.
Prayer
Lord, help me to bow before You and not the idols of this world.
1. Shields, B. (1988). Romans: Unlocking the Scriptures for You. Cincinnati, OH: Standard.