Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament epistle of the apostle Paul unto the Roman saints, and more specifically, is found in the first ten verses of the fourteenth chapter. The fourteenth chapter of the epistle of Paul unto the Roman congregation is one that is actually quite remarkable when you take the time to consider it. This fourteenth chapter does not begin or open in a manner you would expect, but instead begins with a statement concerning that one, or perhaps those who are weak in the faith. What’s so incredibly interesting about this concept is that it actually doesn’t refer to that which we would automatically think about and consider. If we are to truly and properly understand this passage of scripture it’s necessary that we understand that that which the apostle Paul was speaking about when he spoke or being weak in the faith deals with conscience and conviction. That which the apostle Paul was writing and speaking about in this chapter was how to handle those moments and those times when conscience and conviction seems to not line up. If there is one thing I can’t help but consider when reading this passage it’s that despite the fact that we might all believe on the Lord Jesus and while it is true that we might all worship and serve the living God, it is also true that not everyone shares the same convictions. One of the most distinguishing marks of the body of Christ is that there are differences each of us possess which in turn make is different and unique.

PUSHING CONVICTIONS ON ANOTHER! The more I read this passage of scripture the more I can’t help but think of how many men and women might believe themselves to be able and capable of pushing their convictions on others. There would be those within the body of Christ and those within the house of God who believe that everyone should think like they think, act like they act, look like they look, worship as they worship, serve as they serve, and the like. There are men and women among us who would attempt to take their own beliefs and their own convictions and attempt to govern others with those same beliefs and convictions. One of the dangers we face within the body of Christ is to believe how and what we believe and to in turn pass that on to those around us. There is an inherent danger when we are aware of the convictions we have within our own heart and mind and we attempt to take those convictions and force them on others. Can I be honest and tell you who are the most susceptible, and perhaps even the most targeted in the house of God? I believe those who seem to be targeted the most are those who are new to the faith and those who are brand new believers. There are some churches and some organizations where new believers, and perhaps even new converts are viewed as fresh meat that can be devoured. Much like Daniel’s accusers along with their families were crushed and devoured before their bodies even hit the floor of the lion’s den, so there are men and women who enter into various churches and organizations and are immediately crushed and devoured by those before and around them.

If you watch any television show or movie that describes what life is like in prison, you will quickly come to understand that whenever new blood enters into the prison, they are immediately targeted by those within the prison. I have watched enough television shows, movies and documentaries to know and understand that whenever new inmates arrive at a prison it seems to arouse and awaken various thoughts and emotions within those inmates who have been there for quite some time. One thing that’s actually interesting is that any newcomer to prison is almost immediately forced to fend for themselves and learn how to survive or else find themselves being devoured and crushed. I can’t help but think about how many new inmates who have been incarcerated are almost immediately targeted by fellow inmates—either to satisfy some sexual preference or pleasure, or to fulfill some sadistic and violent outburst, or perhaps even to align themselves with the various clicks and gangs within the prison. I have seen it happen enough when new inmates arrive at prison scared out of their minds because they don’t know what to expect once they arrive at the prison and make there way through the doors and bars and gates on to the other side of the walls. I have seen repeated examples and accounts of new inmates who are immediately targeted as fresh meat by those inmates who have been incarcerated for an extended period of time already. Much like blood in the water that attracts hungry sharks, so the arrival of these new inmates attracts the sharks within the prison and almost immediately brings them to the surface. There are countless times when new inmates are targeted by older inmates because they are perceived to be easily intimidated, manipulated, and a dark shadow of fear and terror is almost immediately cast upon these new arrivals. There are countless new inmates who endure countless sleepless nights because they are too nervous, too fearful and too afraid to go to sleep because of what might happen to them. They attempt to remain to themselves and remain separate from the various gangs and factions within the prison, and yet the truth of the matter is that that simply isn’t the case.

Now, I fully recognize that there would be those who would read that previous paragraph and wonder what on earth that could possibly have to do with the words of the apostle Paul to the Roman congregation, or even to Christianity and our churches alike. SHARK TANKS AND PRISONS! WHEN BLOOD IS IN THE WATER HUNGRY SHARKS COME FROM ALL OVER! WHEN THERE’S NEW BLOOD BEHIND THE WALLS INMATES COME FROM ALL OVER! I am convinced that there are many churches that are no different than a shark tank, or perhaps even the open waters of the sea where sharks are known to be present. I am convinced that there are countless churches and organizations where new converts and new believers, and perhaps even new believers are nothing more than fresh blood in the water that attracts the countless sharks that are present within it. Much like hungry sharks rush to the scene of blood in order that they might devour what might be found there, so also there are men and women who immediately rush to those new converts and those visitors when they arrive in the church in order that they might intimidate them, or perhaps even manipulate them. You would think that such a reality and such a concept could and would not be present behind the four walls of a church, yet the truth of the matter is that that simply isn’t true. There are many churches that are very similar to the open waters of the sea where hungry sharks move to and fro within and throughout the waters searching for their next meal. What’s more, is that I am convinced that there are countless churches that are nothing more than prisons where those who are in attendants are incarcerated and perhaps don’t even realize that they are incarcerated. There are a number of churches that are nothing more than prisons, and the four walls of the church are actually no different than the four walls of a prison within this country. There are a number of churches where while there might not be physical cells, physical bars, physical gates, and the like, men and women are still incarcerated. There are a number of churches which are nothing more than prisons which are meant to keep men and women in bondage and enslaved, and perhaps even intimidated and manipulated.

There is a passage found and contained within the New Testament gospel of Matthew which I am convinced perfectly and adequately describes this type of reality. If you turn and direct your attention to the twenty-third chapter of the New Testament gospel of Matthew you will find Jesus speaking unto those before and around Him concerning the scribes and the Pharisees, and providing very specific instruction concerning how to handle the scribes and Pharisees, and even the religious system that was present during that generation. If you will, please consider the following words which were spoken by Jesus concerning the scribes and Pharisees:

“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye. Called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor! Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar the sanctifieth the gift? Whoso therefore shall swear by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things thereon. And who’s shall swear but the temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwelleth therein. And he that shall swear by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by Him that sitteth thereon. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye are like unto white sepulchre, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets. Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:1-33).

When I read the fourteenth chapter of the epistle of the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome I can’t help but consider how many men and women would dare attempt to force their own convictions and beliefs on others. I can’t help but think about how many men and women might enter into the house of the Lord for the very first time, or perhaps are even new believers, and yet they seem to be immediately targeted by those saints who have been around for a much longer period of time. I can’t help but think about and consider how many times men and women enter into the house of the Lord for the very first time and are immediately intimidated, and perhaps even manipulated by those who have been around for a much longer period of time. There are countless men and women who enter into the house of the Lord for the first time, and who perhaps are even new believers themselves, and who are immediately targeted by those within the church who would seek to “show them the way,” and “show them how things are done.” Growing up in the church I have to admit that I have seen this happen a number of times, as new converts and new believers enter into the doors of our churches and are immediately targeted because of how susceptible they are as new believers. Perhaps because they are perceived to be easily influenced and easily manipulated, these new saints and new believers are immediately targeted as though they can be governed by the rules, the regulations, the convictions and the beliefs of others. I have seen it happen time and time again when new converts and new believers are immediately targeted upon entering into the house of the Lord in order that the convictions and beliefs of those around them might be imposed upon them. Much like the scribes and Pharisees sought to impose the regulations and rules of the law upon those in Judea and Samaria, so also men and women seek to impose their own rules and regulations upon those within the house of the Lord. They perceive themselves to be the ultimate authority on the word of God, and even upon that which He requires and asks, and so they proceed to take these new believers “underneath their wing.”

As I am sitting here right now I can’t help but think about how many new believers and converts have been targeted by older saints who perhaps view themselves as more experienced and more knowledgeable. The words which the apostle Paul writes in the fourteenth chapter of the epistle unto the saints at Rome is absolutely remarkable, for within this particular chapter the apostle Paul seeks to instruct men and women within the house of the Lord to abstain and refrain from seeking to impose their own convictions and beliefs on those around them. If you read the words and language that is found in this passage of Scripture you will immediately be captured by that which the apostle Paul was seeking to accomplish—namely, allow the churches in Asia to experience true freedom in Christ without experiencing and enduring legalism, rules, regulations, and the imposing of convictions and beliefs of others upon those who might be “weak in the faith.” Consider if you will the words which are recorded in the fourteenth chapter of the epistle of Paul unto the Roman congregation: “Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant” To his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemed one day above another: another esteemed every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regarded the day, regarded it unto the Lord; and he that regarded not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:1-8).

There is a passage that is found in the New Testament epistle which the apostle Paul wrote unto the saints which were at Corinth which further illustrates and demonstrates this reality. If you begin reading with the first verse of the eighth chapter and continue reading the entire chapter, you will quickly discover that which the apostle believed concerning imposing our convictions and beliefs on those around us within the house of the Lord. Please consider if you will that which the apostle Paul wrote unto the saints which were at Corinth: “Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffery up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of Him. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) but to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their soncience being weak is defiled. But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak. For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol’s temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols; and through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh. While the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend” (1 Corinthians 8:1-13).

If you read the ninth verse of the eighth chapter of this epistle unto the Corinthians you will find an incredibly powerful challenge issued by the apostle Paul—the challenge to not let the liberty we experience and enjoy become a stumbling block unto those around us who are weak. If there is one thing I can’t help but consider when reading such a passage of Scripture—both within the epistle unto the saints at Rome, as well as the saints which were at Corinth—it’s that it is possible to legalistically impulse our convictions, our beliefs, and perhaps even our freedoms and liberties upon those who are around us. It is possible that we can take our liberty and in all reality attempt to impose that liberty on others so as to somehow govern how they themselves live. It is possible that we take our convictions and our beliefs and attempt to impose both within the life of those around us so as to attempt to bring them into alignment with how we ourselves live. Perhaps one of the greatest questions that must be asked when reading the words of the apostle Paul is what type of impact our lives are having on those around us. In the tenth verse of this chapter we find the apostle Paul writing concerning that man seeing another which has knowledge sit at meat in the idols’ temple, the conscience of that man which is weak could very well become emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols. What’s more, is that the apostle Paul would go on to write that through the knowledge of this “stronger” brother the weak brother perishes. I can’t help but wonder how many men and women we have effectively crippled and wounded in their faith because we have attempted to impose our own convictions and beliefs upon them. I can’t help but wonder how many men and women among us in our houses of worship spend a considerable amount of time offended and embittered because of what they witness taking place within the house of God. I can’t help but wonder how many men and women among us in the house of God are offended and embittered—not only because they feel intimidated and manipulated by those around them, but also because they watch the legalism and hypocrisy that takes place within the house of God. I can’t help but wonder how many men and women during the days and times of Jesus were themselves offended and embittered because they watched and witnessed the hypocrisy that was taking place among the religious system and community of their day.

What’s so incredibly interesting about the days of the life and ministry of Jesus is that by all definitions, the scribes and the Pharisees seemed and appeared to be those who were strong in the faith. The scribes and Pharisees, as well as the chief priests and the elders during that day were perceived as being strong in their obedience before the Lord, and strong in their obedience to the law of Moses which had been in place for several centuries. The truth of the matter is that when Jesus stepped on to the scene at that time He directly challenged the religious system, and even proceeded to call and point out the legalism and the hypocrisy that was contained within it. Jesus came to not only bring life and life more abundantly, but also freedom for all those who were enslaved, ensnared and in bondage. We would be incredibly wise to recognize and understand that there were essentially two different types of realities that were present during the life and ministry of Jesus—that of the religious system made up of the scribes, the chief priests, the Pharisees, the elders, the Sadducees, and the like, and that of Jesus. It’s worth noting and understanding that there has always been a temptation to take our convictions and our beliefs and to impose them upon those who are around us. There have always been those who have perceived themselves to be righteous in their own eyes, and have attempted to pass on their “righteousness” to those around them. Perhaps one of the most challenging realities surrounding the words Jesus spoke concerning the scribes and the Pharisees was that they compassed land and sea in order to make one proselyte, and yet once they found them they in fact made them twice the sons of hell than they themselves were. This is incredibly challenging, for how how many times do we attempt to make disciples and followers of Jesus, and yet what we are actually doing is making them twice the son or daughter of hell than we ourselves are? How many times have we in the process of making “disciples” actually raised up and produced those after the order of the scribes and Pharisees during Jesus’ day? How many times have we in an attempt to make disciples for Jesus actually raised up and produced self-righteous, legalistic, and hypocritical men and women who attempt to serve the Lord in a righteousness they themselves have produced?

I am incredibly challenged by the words I read—both in the epistle to the Roman saints, as well as the epistle to the Corinthian saints—for within these two letters the apostle Paul addresses that which is a constant struggle within our houses of worship in this generation. Perhaps one of the greatest questions I can’t help but ask myself when reading this passage is who defines those who are perceived to be strong, and those who are perceived to be weak? There appears to be a strong contrast between those who are strong in their faith—those who have their convictions and beliefs established—and those who are weak in their faith—those whose convictions and beliefs perhaps haven’t yet been established. We would be incredibly wise to read and clearly understand the words which the apostle Paul, for there is a tremendous challenge to attempt to define another’s relationship with the Lord, and perhaps even attempting to persuade their righteousness before the Lord. There is a growing temptation to take a righteousness we perceive ourselves as having and imposing that righteousness upon others. The more I read the words of the apostle Paul in this passage of Scripture, the more I can’t help but be gripped with my own righteousness before the Lord, and whether or not that righteousness exceeds and surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. I am gripped with the tremendous thought of whether or not my actions are somehow offending the conscience of those around me because they watch and witness me engaging in actions which they perceive to be wrong or evil. How many times do our words and our actions actually offend the consciences of others because we allow ourselves to be given to legalism and hypocrisy? WHEN HYPOCRISY OFFENDS THE CONSCIENCE OF THOSE AROUND US! If there is one thing I am challenged with right now it’s whether or not our actions and our words are offending the consciences of those around us, and whether or not our words and actions are causing others to stumble. This is actually something that is important to recognize and understand, for Jesus had some incredibly powerful words concerning those who offended one of these little ones, and those who caused one of these little ones to stumble. I leave you with the words which Jesus spoke unto His disciples and followers after placing a child in the midst of them:

“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive on such little child in my name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses. For it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!” (Matthew 18:3-7). One of the greatest challenges we face with our “righteousness” is whether or not we are somehow offending the consciences of those around us. There is a part of me that can’t help but wonder how many of those present during Jesus’ days on the earth were offended because of the “righteousness,” the legalism and the hypocrisy of the religious system of the day. It is possible that we can offend the consciences of those around us through our rules and regulations which we seek to impose upon them. It is possible that we can offend those around us by using the liberty we believe we possess as a license, and perhaps even an excuse to sin. There is also an inherent danger when we attempt to provide our own interpretation to the scripture and attempt to impose that interpretation before and in the company of others. It is absolutely necessary and imperative that we carefully examine the type of witness we have before and in the presence of those who aren’t disciples, as well as to diligently strive to ensure we aren’t offending those around us in the body of Christ with our so-called righteousness and holiness. Let us carefully examine—not only the witness and testimony we have in the world, but also the image and reputation we have among those in the body of Christ.