The Nature of the Kingdom

August 13, 2023 Background Scripture: Romans 14:10-23 Lesson Passage: Romans 14:10-23 "Mind Your Business" is another way of thinking about today's lesson. The scripture for the lesson IS from Paul's letter to the church in Rome. In this letter, Paul addressed some of the internal issues within the congregation. This lesson is a reminder that each person is unique. And each of us will stand before God and give an account of the deeds done in our bodies. That's enough to encourage us to stay focused on our own unique situations. It is also enough to encourage us to avoid creating difficulties for others. It is enough that people must give an account of themselves without us making it more complicated for them. For example, if I am not a dietician, then no one needs my approval to determine their diet. What a person chooses to eat, or not eat, is their business. Yet, Christians sometimes take it upon themselves to get involved in very trivial matters that don't concern them. Left to our own devices, many of us will dare to tell others what they should eat and what they should refrain from eating. That was happening within the congregation in Rome. If a person has the option to choose what they will eat, then that choice becomes an obvious personal decision. It does not require the consent of a committee or a congregation. Group, or herd mentality, is a common human problem. People in groups tend to behave in a similar manner. Their general behavior establishes a "group norm". After a while, members of the group will treat unique individuals with disdain if they fail to fall in line with the group's behavior pattern. This is common human behavior. However, it can become destructive behavior when it involves a group of Christians. Each Christian must come into a saving faith through a personal encounter with the living God. Only through acknowledging and confessing the Lord Jesus Christ does this happen. It is good for Christians to congregate to strengthen each other in the things of the Spirit. In fact, the gifts of the Spirit are given to individuals for the benefit of the group. I believe every Christian should be affiliated with a local congregation. That congregation should be one where they can grow spiritually, and their spiritual gifts are allowed to minister to the needs of others. This is what makes for a healthy congregation. When "herd mentality" infiltrates the group, then problems will follow. Rather than ministering to each other, they will begin to control each other until nothing worthwhile is being done. This can lead faith-based groups to devolve into cults. In cults, everyone tends to do the same thing, and nobody deviates from the group's norm. Differences are discouraged although the Spirit gives Christians different gifts. Once the major things are brought in line in cults, then the trivial matters are addressed. That brings us back to the notion of a common diet. The group decides what foods are acceptable and what foods are not. It leaves no room for individual spiritual growth. In general, experienced people make different decisions than inexperienced people. A new convert to the Christian faith may be skeptical about specific foods or drinks. As they grow in grace, their skepticism will give way to biblical knowledge and application. Mature Christians should patiently allow others to grow spiritually; that's what happened to each of us. When Christianity becomes conformance to rules and regulations, then it is no longer about a personal relationship with Christ. This is not the kingdom Jesus established on earth. Within the kingdom of God, groups are not held accountable. Each person must give an account of themselves. Therefore, it behooves all Christians to "Mind Your business." Robert C. Hudson August 3, 2023