In My Opinion

1 Accept into your group someone who is weak in faith, and do not argue about opinions. (Romans 14:1, NCV).

Entire Chapter: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14&version=NCV

You know what they say about opinions, right? Did you know that in the first century church it was the personal opinions of others that challenged the message of the Gospel. The Roman society of the day in which Paul penned these words, being under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of course, parallels the one you and I live in today in many ways. The church in Rome was growing in Christ and as with any growth, if we are not careful, pride comes along with it because we are "getting bigger." One of the most dangerous weapons Satan uses against the church is spiritual pride. Paul was not saying to compromise the Gospel, read the whole chapter when you get time, but he was teaching against arrogance.

I told the new convert class in my study yesterday that living the Christian life is 95% determination and 5% action. It has to be that way. If we try to live perfect by our own power we will eventually end up in failure or in spiritual pride. Those who turn back on Christ usually become frustrated trying live the perfect life. Sometimes they quit because a super spiritual Christian has told them "their opinion" about something rather than explaining to them how to grow in Christ. If you are a new convert understand today that God has a plan for your life and He will get you to the level you need to be at. If you are a mature Christian, then understand that God has a plan for the new convert's life, just as He does yours, and He will get them to where they need to be. Allow the grace of Christ to do the work in strengthening faith: the faith of babes and our own!

Enjoy being blessed: you are!

Br Mike