I woke up this morning with the scripture in my spirit: The kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
I had heard this scripture many times; however, sometimes we hear scripture, but we don't read or understand in context. With that being said, I looked into this verse a little further, reading various translations, and I was enlightened. I really liked The Message translation:
Romans 14:16-18 The Message (MSG)
15-16 If you confuse others by making a big issue over what they eat or don’t eat, you’re no longer a companion with them in love, are you? These, remember, are persons for whom Christ died. Would you risk sending them to hell over an item in their diet? Don’t you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning!
17-18 God’s kingdom isn’t a matter of what you put in your stomach, for goodness’ sake. It’s what God does with your life as he sets it right, puts it together, and completes it with joy. Your task is to single-mindedly serve Christ. Do that and you’ll kill two birds with one stone: pleasing the God above you and proving your worth to the people around you.
I thought that passage was sooooo good! After reading it in context it made me look at just how easy it is to bring division based on our personal life choices and convictions. Things that we have made law & gospel that have absolutely nothing to do with the kingdom of God! There are also times where we find ourselves with the hammer and the nails, ready to crucify others for the same things that we were once guilty of! Help me Lord!!
I like how it says in verse 16; don’t you dare let a piece of God-blessed food become an occasion of soul-poisoning! Just because we don't do it (anymore), don't understand it, don't like it, doesn't mean that it is sin or unrighteousness. If God has blessed it then it is good, and should not be an opportunity for soul-poisoning.
Again, the kingdom of God is not about what we choose to eat, but setting our lives right, walking in peace (where nothing is broken and nothing is missing), and living in the joy that comes from having His spirit dwelling in us!
Let us be admonished to focus on what is good, serving God with one heart and one mind, and one spirit. I believe as we make this our daily focus everything else that extends from our lives will be pleasing to God and draw others unto Him.
Just a little food for thought~
I pray this song blesses you~
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