Upheld

Daily Reading: Romans 14

Scripture Focus: Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Romans 14.4)

Devotional Thought: In Romans 14, Paul dealt with the almost irresistible urge for Christians to judge one another.  But, Paul said resist it!  Why?  Because you are not another person’s master.  How do we square this sentiment of Paul with what he wrote in his letter to the Corinthians?  Consider:

“For what have I to do with judging outsiders?  Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?  God judges those outside.  ‘Purge the evil person from among you.’” (1 Corinthians 5.12-13)

And the statement he makes right afterwards seems to convey another message:

“Do you now know that the saints will judge the world?  And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases?  Do you know that we are to judge angels?  How much more then matters pertaining to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6.2-3)

Was Paul inconsistent?  Not at all.  The answer is simple, but hidden, in modern English.  In Romans 14.4 and 1 Corinthians 5.12-13 – where Paul said we are not to judge – he used the singular form of the pronouns “I” and “you.”  In those places where he says we are to judge, he uses the plural form of the pronouns.  In other words, the church is able to judge differences and disputes, but individuals should not judge one another.  This squares with the teachings of Jesus, who told us to reach compromise individually, while referring judgment to the church.

Another thing to consider in this verse from Romans 14, is the simple question: “Who is my Master?”  Jesus is the only Master who is able to make us stand in righteousness!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I rush to judgment.  Soften my spirit and attitude that I might resist this urge.  Uphold me, Lord, in your righteousness.  Amen

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 29.7-11

7 The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.

8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness; the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare, and in his temple all cry, "Glory!"

10 The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.

11 May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!