Consistency

And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

Romans 14:23

It is important to note that this passage refers to issues of non-spiritual consequence (i.e. If we do it, we are not more spiritual; if we do not do it, we are not less spiritual.) Food and days do not commend us to God, if we observe them or not. The more important principle portrayed here is the keeping of a pure conscience and love for the brethren. When we do something that we believe to be right but with which the Bible says is inconsequential, such as food and days, and it offends or stumbles a brother of weaker faith, then we are acting uncharitably; we are not acting in love for the brethren. This is an important point to reinforce because we live in a very self-centred society and our rights are often very important. Yet, Paul teaches that we ought to live rightly and in love to our brethren with our actions.

After teaching the Roman Christians that refraining from certain foods or importance placed on days for the sake of another’s conscience is acting in love, Paul next teaches the need to act consistently with Christian principles and the Word of God. He teaches clearly that when we perform an act, being not fully convinced about its virtue and truthfulness and against our consciences, we will live in guilt and condemnation because we are not acting truthfully in line with the principles we believe in. Paul reasons that this happens because the action is inconsistent with the belief of the individual. So, whatever that is done, not of proper conviction and what we stand for but of convenience or some other lesser reason, is sin against God and against ourselves in our consciences.  Therefore, we are to note the following:

We need to be fully persuaded in our minds. In Romans 14:5, it is the responsibility of individual Christians to be fully persuaded in their own convictions regarding matters of non-issues and how they will act publicly. This requires study, learning and enquiring with the idea of arriving at a conclusion for our conscience and conviction.

We need to remember to act without doubt consistently with what we know and believe.  We need to ask the Lord for the courage to do the right thing, the wisdom how to do the right thing and the knowledge that we are doing the right thing. Anything less than this principle leads to sinning against the Lord Jesus and we are avoid that for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

We need to differentiate between morality and issues of non-consequence when being fully persuaded. Some may argue, “We are fully persuaded that this is the right,” when referring to issues of morality such as stealing, telling white lies, non-commitment to the Lord and his Word and work. When there is an issue of non-consequence, we are to act consistently with our belief, faith and conviction. However, when an issue of morality such as worldliness, purity of heart and life, doctrine and clear teaching of Scripture is in question, our only proper course of action is obedience to the Word of God. Even when there is doubt as to its virtue, it is always wise to err on the side of caution. In other words, if in doubt, don’t. We are commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 not to allow the entrance of any act, thought or situation that has the potential for sin.

We need to act consistently with love to the brethren. Just because we think it is right does not give us to the freedom the act if it will hint at causing a brother or sister in Christ to stumble.

Dear believer, is your life consistent with what you know to be right, or are you acting contrary to your convictions? Do you act consistently with care and concern that your brethren are not stumbled by your decisions and manner of life?

May our lives and our service be consistent with our intentions and our convictions, as it is reflected in the word of GOD, and taught by the Holy Spirit.

Written by: Pastor Johnny Tan
Edited by: Timothy Lee
Image Credit: Hirotomo, Flickr