It's Not About You

It's Not About You 

by David Brenneman 

Was reading in Romans this morning.  Can be some heavy stuff.  The passage is pointing towards anything we do in life that it not be done without considering its impact on others, be they Believers or the unbelieving. 

"Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this—not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. Therefore do not let what is for you a good thing be spoken of as evil; for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the man who eats and gives offense. It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles. The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin." Romans 14:13‭-‬23.

What good is it for you if by your choices and decisions that might be ok in your eyes that in Spiritual things cause someone else to stumble?  What good is it to think you're all that and a slice of bread Spiritually yet you've not considering others above yourself?  Why would you leave even Believers behind because you think taking care of your own Spiritual walk is more important than your brother’s and your sister's in Christ Jesus? 

Jesus had you and I born exactly where and when we would do the most good for His kingdom, for the work of service in the Church of Jesus Christ.  We weren't born to get the most out of life for ourselves. 

We do not have the Spiritual right to say who is or isn't worthy of our lives impacting their's.  We are to obey Christ in all things.  All means all and that's all all means. 

We aren't to judge who is worthy in regards to Spiritual life in Christ.  That's where we are not to judge. 

It's another reason why Scripture says that what God has joined together let no one separate.  God is the one who's Authority.  

It's why families are to be Christ-centered.  God is the Authority. 

It's why no matter what you do, where you are, you represent Christ if indeed you are saved. "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality."

Colossians 3:23‭-‬25.

Our lives are hidden in Christ Jesus. Colossians 3:3. 

What we do in life is to be a reflection of the work of Christ in us.  If we're taking people apart, if we're deciding what life is going to be like, without consulting or considering what God's Word says...we sin.  Paul wrote that in Romans 14:23.

If we remotely think we are on a Spiritual path of growth yet have intentionally chosen something selfishly that caused another in Christ to stumble, then we have sinned.  We also do not get to choose in regards to who is saved and who isn't.  We do not justify our actions by that.  If we do, then we're sinning.  It doesn't matter how much we think we're living for Jesus, if we're justifying our actions at all in being inconsiderate of others regardless of whether they are saved or not, we're sinning. 

It's not about you or I.  

Our lives are to magnify Christ Jesus. Not to get that career we dreamed of. Not to get this or that, that we dreamed of. Not to get anything this world could be offering us.  Satan offered Jesus the world if only He would bow and worship him.  Satan offers you the same thing.  Satan wants you to put your wants, needs, desires, ahead of Spiritual truths.  As long as you keep justifying your choices and leaving people behind, you my Dear Reader, are not walking in Christ Jesus. 

Life in Christ is you being Christ to a fallen world...the light of Jesus Christ is to shine in you, not your own light. Prefer one another above ourselves isn't a suggestion if the person is worthy or not.  Building one another up in the Lord isn't a suggestion if the person is worthy or not in our eyes.

We're commanded to put on the mind of Christ.  So many people justify the destruction of families, marriages, relationships all over putting self first in all the wrong ways.  A physically unhealthy relationship where a life is in danger is an entirely different thing.  

It was an interesting thing to watch an explanation of claiming God wasn't moral.  How can someone worship God who killed so many people in the Old Testament? They think that's immoral.  

The questioner is asked how can they claim to have a right to decide who lives or dies by saying it's their body their choice? It's them playing God which is immoral. 

We can easily justify our choices in life...but will those choices stand up before a Holy God?  I dare say for many in the professing Church, they will absolutely not.  If we disobey in one area, we're guilty of all. 

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.  No excuses, exceptions, exclusions apply. Even if we don't get what we want. 

We must acknowledge the words of Peter.  We must obey God rather than men, which includes ourselves.  

Are you making or have you made choices, decisions, that violated the Word of God in order to pursue your own path in life rather than waiting on the Lord Jesus?  

Have you thought of only yourself and caused another to stumble?  

These deeds you do in your life will be weighed by Jesus.  Without questions being asked.  Will you see yours go up in smoke or become Spiritual gold for a crown to give back to Jesus?

Consider well your why's behind what you are doing. Do not think more highly of yourself than you ought. But think with sound judgment in Christ Jesus. 

It's not about you getting what you want in life.  You are here in this here this now to live an obedient life in Christ Jesus, to grow in Christ, to follow the Great Commission.  Not to get all your dreams fulfilled at the expense of others. 

Build one another up in the Lord, in the love of Christ Jesus. Seeing someone else growing in Christ should be what is important to you, be the Samaritan. 

All NASB 1995 and NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission. Lockman Foundation.