Our scripture today is Romans 14:7-10.
“For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;”
This passage from Paul’s letter to the Romans explains that we are all connected to God and to each other – “whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (v. 8). He wants us to understand that our petty disagreements shouldn’t separate us from our Creator, nor our brothers and sisters. We sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture and the greatest goal.
One of my bishops used to say it was essential that we work on “keeping the main thing the main thing”. When we allow ourselves to be distracted by earthly conflict, we risk turning from God’s plan for us and following our own selfish desires. Paul warns against this behavior, asking “why do you pass judgment on your brother?” (v. 10).
We live in a judgemental time, with many thinking their own way is correct and not willing to listen to different beliefs. This isn’t what God wants for us. Our purpose is to love God and each other, using what we have been given for everyone’s good. However, it is up to each of us to choose to follow Him and ignore the noise of our troubled world.
Gracious God, let us see that we are all Your children, beloved and part of Your sacred design. Help us to work together in harmony for the good of all. Amen.