Romans 14:17
The scripture for today is Romans 14:17
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
The kingdom of God, which refers to Christ living and ruling in the heart, does not consist of the observance of distinctions of discretionary outward things. In fact, the distractions produced by such behavior tend to cause confusion and disruption in the church.
The true expression of Godliness is found in the fruit of the Spirit that is produced in the life of those who are truly surrendered to Christ and have the abiding presence of His Spirit within. “The essence of the kingdom of God lies not in things external, but in the inward graces of the spiritual life.” The SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 6, p. 640
The apostle, in Romans 14, is not wiping away God’s distinction between clean and unclean food as some suppose. He is, however, making a distinction between the perception of individuals and the response of others to those perceptions. A weak brother, for example, must be valued as a weak brother and should not be pushed beyond his ability to faithfully stand in areas that are not issues for those who are stronger in the faith. “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things with which one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 Those who are strong should support those who are weak.
As we live a life that is surrendered to Christ, the truth of God’s word grows within and the likeness of Christ becomes more apparent within us. Those around us will encounter the Spirit of Christ when they encounter us. His Spirit living within is the greatest testimony that can be presented to the world. Through the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit, the world will see in us the “righteousness, joy, and peace” which are the indisputable evidence of a life that has been to the cross and is now lived in the Spirit.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim