ROMANS 14:21

“It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles.”

We can have a long discussion about whether drinking alcohol is forbidden for Christians. Many feel a beer or a glass of wine with dinner is not sinful. I actually know people who do not think smoking is sinful. Our discussion through chapter 14 has not been about what we can or cannot eat or drink. It’s been about not causing a brother or sister to stumble. Paul continues that in today’s verse.

Look at the first four words of the verse – “It is good not.” I want to concentrate on that thought and ask you some personal questions. Paul’s point is obvious. Don’t do anything that would lead someone astray. We can name all sorts of things that can cause that, right? Sometimes it is good to just not do something, even if you feel you have the right to do it.

APPLICATION

Can I get real personal with you? I am going through a study right now with four men on purity, on how to be free from the addiction of pornography or any other addictive behavior that is not pleasing to the Lord. These men struggle or have struggled with lustful thoughts. For a woman to come to church wearing something that exposes herself is not considering men such as these. I know what you are going to say. They don’t have to look. That may be true, but often that first glance is unavoidable. She has the right to dress as she chooses, but… That is just one example.

I have a friend who had to stop hanging out with some of his friends who like to smoke cigars. He is a former smoker, and the smell just causes him to want to pick up a pack of cigarettes. I am a former smoker and to this day the smell of cigarettes makes me want one. Those individuals have the right to smoke if they choose (I am not saying they should be smoking), but they do not have the right to cause a brother to stumble.

Do you have a lifestyle choice that could cause someone to stumble? You may feel completely free to exercise that choice. You’ve asked the Lord and searched the Scripture, and nothing has deterred you. However, if that choice could be misconstrued by someone and cause them to stumble, then Paul says to not do it. It may be good for you but not for them. Examine your choices. Be sensitive to the needs of others. Avoid situations that would cause someone to stumble. You are representing the Lord. Ask yourself if Jesus would do it. That’s your answer. Paul gives us a great example in 1 Corinthians 8:13. Let’s imitate this. “Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to sin.”

Lord, help me be mindful of the needs of others and avoid any choice that could lead someone astray.

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