Many times in our desire to please God, we may find ourselves being a stumbling block to someone else. Maybe you know someone who doesn't think Christians should go to movies, and in an effort to change their mind, in their presence, you talk about the recent movie you saw.
If your brother has a problem with that, don't flaunt it in his face. It is much better to not mention that area and keep the peace with your brother, and pray for him. That is what living in the kingdom of God is all about.
Romans 14:15 says, "But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died."
In our text, Paul uses eating meat as an example. But realize the issue here is not the meat, it is walking in love with your brother. If he has a problem with meat then don't sit there next to him and eat your meat. If you are in a restaurant together, order a salad and eat your t-bone steak at home.
Do not let your good be evil spoken of. While eating meat is good for you, don't do it in your friend's presence who thinks you are hurting yourself. Again, meat is just an example, because this can cover a whole gamut of things.
The kingdom of God is not about whether you are right and someone else is wrong. It is about being in right standing with God, living in the peace of God, and operating in the joy of the Holy Ghost, "...for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost."
The important thing to remember is to pursue peace with your brother, and pray for him. Kingdom living means that even though you don't agree, you can still get along and have a peaceful relationship. For he that in these things (righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost) serve Christ is acceptable to God and approved of man.
That is how you are approved of man. Be full of joy. Walk in the peace of God and walk as a person in right standing with God; and people are going to approve of you whether they are sinner or saint, whether they agree with you or not.
Scripture references: 1 Peter 3:11; Romans 14:19
Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).
