Peace and Mutual Edification

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." (Romans 14:19 NIV)

I have often thought about the church (people not buildings) in terms of the weak and the strong. Within most fellowships there are people who have walked with Christ for many years and those who have just begun their life of faith in Christ.  I believe the longer a church goes without seeing new converts the more likely it will forget the call to mutual edification and thus become more and more legalistic making secondary issues and beliefs of primary importance.

Paul says mutual edification is a matter of maintaining peace in the body between those of weak faith and those of strong faith. This is especially important in churches that are filled with long time attenders who's faith is weak. These churches must not stray from the commission to make disciples and seek peace and mutual edification within the body of Christ.

The context of Romans 14 reveals that the major issue the church was divided over was their old religious and cultural eating and drinking habits. While the food issue may not be as significant in our context today there are issues that many believers are divided over such as ear piercing, tattoos, clothing styles, hair color, musical tastes, and drinking alcohol. The principal to keep in mind when determining what you believe is: "It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.  So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves." (Romans 14:21-22 NIV)

Today, as an act of worship, praise God for the influence and ministry he has given you. Ask the Lord to reveal to you those of weak faith and the issues they are struggling with. May we respond in such a way that peace is maintained in the body of Christ and each person is built up.