With that being said, there are issues that Christians have differed in opinion and have debated for as long as Christian history has existed. These issues are neither condemned nor encouraged in Scripture and, therefore, are up for debate. This is what Apostle Paul described as “disputable matters.”
Now receive the one who is weak in the faith, and do not quarrel over disputable matters – Romans 14:1
I have below outlined a few things that believers differ in opinion, and have failed to “accept one another”, as the above Scripture admonishes.
Should we celebrate Christmas and Easter holidays?
Some believe that Christmas and Easter are part of the Christian faith, hence we are to fully celebrate these holidays because they remind us of the birth and the death of our Saviour, instead of completely handing over these beautiful Christian events to the world. Some even go on to use these days as an opportunity for evangelism. On the opposite end, are those who believe that Scripture never, under no circumstances tells us to celebrate these holidays, instead all these are pagan things that corrupt our devotion to our Lord. They encourage that believers should stick with the prescribed ordinances such as the Lord’s Supper, rather than take part in pagan celebrations of Christmas and Easter.
The reality is this is a disputable matter. Paul teaches that indeed some view some days as more holy than others while others view every day as the same. And he goes on to teach us that no one shall condemn those who observe these days, because those who celebrate Christmas celebrate it to the Lord, and those who don’t do it, to the Lord they don’t do it (Rom 14:5-6). It’s that simple.
Should we eat pork or not?
In the same way, some believe that some foods are improper for believers to eat while others see no problem with frying pork for dinner. Why then should we condemn each other with this matter when we know that the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of joy in the Spirit (Rom14:17) ? The only wrong is to destroy the faith of others with regard to what we eat. That means if a fellow believer is offended by the pork I eat, then I shouldn’t touch it at all as long as I am in his company. I have heard some even say that alcohol is not condemned by Scripture, considering that wine was a regular drink in the Bible. Well, the reality is that a great majority of us believers are offended by other Christians who drink beer, hence it is better for such people to stay away from any strong drink as long as it will destroy the faith of others.
What about birth control pills?
We all know that abortion is murder, there is no running away from that. However, some believers are of the opinion that anything that prevents natural birth from occurring such as contraceptives is in fact, in the same class as abortion, hence such methods should not be named among God’s children. On the flip side are those who believe that there is nothing evil about contraceptives, after all, even Biblical figures have always used a form of birth control one way or the other, otherwise, Isaac and Rebekah would have had far more children than Jacob and Esau. While the reality is that this issue of birth control is a disputable matter that must not be used to condemn fellow believers. Instead “let each be convinced in his own mind” (Rom 14:5). That is, let each believer’s “conscience” be the governing standard.
I could continue and mention a few more debatable issues such as should the KJV be the only Bible that is used? Should believing ladies wear makeup? Should Christian ladies wear trousers? The conclusion of the matter is that let’s not forget that our Christianity is not a bondage religion but we are free to serve our Lord, as long we are convinced that Scripture does not explicitly condemn nor commend some of these things. “Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” (Rom 14:4).
It’s understandable that some people have convictions and standards about some things. For example, it is my conviction that I believe all church members should wear formal wear during a Sunday service, and that no ladies should wear trousers in church. However, it would be wrong for me to force my convictions on other believers who don’t see the same. It’s very wrong for you to despise others and view them as false believers because they disagree with you on some of these matters. I encourage once again, whenever you have time, to read the whole chapter of Romans 14 and understand that there will always be disputable issues, therefore, as the words of my commentary say “Let not the Christian who uses his freedom look down upon his weak brother as ignorant and superstitious.” Let those who celebrate holidays do it the Lord. There must never be any judging but we must sympathize with those who are behind in their knowledge about our Saviour, because Christ, our loving Saviour has accepted them in their condition. Amen.
Sinothi Ncube
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