Learning to Live in Honor

Yesterday I hit Romans 14 and 15 in my reading. It's an inspiring passage, urging the body of Christ to live in unity while respecting each other's differences. It's also convicting.

Throughout the years, I've connected with a variety of friends who hold and live out different convictions than me. I like rock music, some only listen to instrumental hymns. I was homeschooled, some went to "real" school. I just chopped my hair off, some have hair that's over three feet long. I wear skinny jeans, they wear denim skirts. Some are okay with Harry Potter.

The thing about being friends with people who may be "stricter" than you in some areas is that it can bring out that stuck-up attitude we opinionated Christians seem to enjoy a little too much. I've had friends raise an eyebrow at a neckline or two of mine, while in my opinion, I think it's fine and feminine to show some collar bone, thank you very much. I remember discussing music at a friend's house and I casually mentioned that my dad likes Elvis, and her mom walked into the living room and said, "Well, it's just not a good witness to listen to music that isn't, you know, Christian." It doesn't take long to recognize when others are judging you.

But what about me? No, I might not vocalize my haughtiness as much, but inwardly I sneer. "What a bunch of legalistic weirdos." I think that just because I don't wear skirts everyday, or don't tack on some "moral" obligation to organic living, or have no problem jamming out to Tegan and Sara, that I somehow exhibit more freedom in Christ than my peers. I forget that honor runs both ways.

There's a time and place to discuss theological and lifestyle differences. But not at the expense of neglecting to respect a fellow believer's personal convictions, convictions that he or she prayed over, wrestled over, surrendered over. Engaging in dialogue over differences should never be for the sole purpose of trying to "convert" someone to our way of thinking or proving ourselves right. There is a time for correction and speaking the truth in love, yes. Unfortunately, we usually translate that to mean "speaking the truth in I'm right."

The Church is united by one Spirit, yet we are all different parts in the Whole. God created diversity, uniqueness, and individuality, and celebrates it. Let's drop the petty bickering over earthly affairs and accept each other with open arms as we rally on to Glory together.

"For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking,

but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

~ Romans 14:17 ~

(photo)