Romans 14:18-19, Serve Christ (2)

Romans 14:18-19 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

The believers serve Christ and find approval in the company of God’s people by refraining from “bickering over inconsequential matters”as William MacDonald observes. He says well, “we should make every effort to maintain peace and harmony in the Christian fellowship. Instead of stumbling others by insisting on our rights, we should strive to build up others in their most holy faith.”

The Apostle Paul certainly have been observing what was going on among the believers in Rome leading him to write to bring the believers back to the path of true spiritual growth that God has intended for them. He is saying to the believers to stray no further.

This world has failed to secure that most elusive commodity called “peace”. The dictionary meaning of “peace” describes the normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations or the world, a state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations and the normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community. Peace is a state of tranquillity and serenity, a state or condition conducive to, proceeding from, or characterized by tranquillity. This world has yet seen true peace. War characterizes all the history of mankind.

This should not be the situation in the church of Jesus Christ. When God created the earth, it was to be a peaceful paradise. But Adam forfeited the harmony when he sinned. Christ restored that peace through His death on the cross. Let God’s people come to the cross!

I am coming to the cross;

I am poor, and weak and blind;

I am counting all but dross; 

I shall full salvation find.

Jesus come!

He fills my soul!

Perfected in Him I am;

I am every whit made whole –

Glory, glory to the Lamb!

May God’s people serve Christ and edify one another. Amen.