In Romans 14, Paul is dealing with the differences among the Christians of his day concerning food. Some from Jewish backgrounds were still sensitive about dietary issues. From birth they had been warned not to eat certain foods that were forbidden by the Law. They also still wanted to observe special days that had been part of their heritage. The Gentiles had no such background and felt no compunction about eating food or observing the Jewish holy days.
Paul’s advice is: Do not judge. Be tolerant. These are not basic areas upon which there must be unity in order to have fellowship. “One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind” (Rom. 14:5, NKJV).
There are certain other areas upon which it would be wise to be tolerant concerning other Christians. One area is that of politics. Many of us were brought up with the teaching that since we are “strangers and sojourners” with “our citizenship” (Phil. 3:20) in heaven, we should have nothing to do with the political process in a democracy, not even to vote. Others feel quite free to vote, even to run for office. Are such to be condemned as unspiritual?
It might be well to remind ourselves that in biblical days the prevalent form of government was a monarchy. Hence Peter exhorts, “Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Pet. 2:17). People were not allowed to be involved in choosing their leaders as in a democracy. The Bible has nothing to say about voting for your king. The concept was foreign.
Peter’s advice gives the Christian’s sense of priority. God is to be reverenced and obeyed above all. Human government is to be respected and obeyed where it does not conflict with God’s standards. This accords with what Peter had heard the Lord Jesus teach years before: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s; and to God the things that are God’s” (Mt. 22:21).
Paul was keenly aware of his dual citizenship of heaven and Rome. When he was about to be beaten to elicit a confession, he was quick to ask, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?” (Acts 22:25). He asserted his rights as a Roman citizen to have a fair trial before being punished. Later, to escape the sentencing of the Jews, he appealed to Caesar, the highest court to which a Roman citizen had recourse (Acts 25:11). Repeatedly Paul claimed his Roman citizenship in Acts.
Since Israel in Old Testament days was in a unique relationship with God as His covenant people, no reference will be made to their political structure. But when Israel went into exile, Daniel and some of his friends were very active in the governing process of Babylon and also of Persia (though they were civil servants, not elected officials). They kept their priorities straight; God was always first. But they seemed to prosper. “Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon” (Dan. 2:48). One can be sure their influence was for good in the kingdom. To keep from compromise with evil in such a position requires a resolute decision to put God first in all decisions and to do what is right.
Ezekiel was a priest and a prophet, a contemporary of Daniel in Babylon, but with a very different calling. His mission was to be the channel for God’s message to man; there is no higher calling. But Ezekiel, the prophet, spoke warmly of Daniel three times in his book (14:14, 20; 28:3). He links him with Noah and Job as great men of God. There is no expression of disapproval of the life and work of Daniel, only commendation.
In view of this, perhaps one needs to avoid dogmatism today on the matter. Let those who feel it is contrary to their calling and heavenly citizenship to be involved politically be convinced in their own minds. Let those who feel free to vote and perhaps even to run for office be fully convinced before God. If elected, they must determine to put God first and never to compromise their convictions.
Another area where there is disagreement is the matter of the use of money. The words of the Lord Jesus are very strong: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Mt. 6:19-20). Some feel this means it is wrong for the godly Christian to save money at all, whether for a future purchase, such as a car, or a college education, or for retirement. All funds above one’s immediate needs should be given to the Lord’s work at home and abroad. This is a little easier to do if one is single.
Others feel that while one should give generously to the Lord’s work, to save for future needs is not wrong but prudent. “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). How should one provide for his own family? Is it better to save for a car or buy one on time? Is it better to pay rent or buy a house? Which will be the better use of the Lord’s money? Is it wrong to have social security? If one has no social security, is it wrong to have a retirement account? Is it unspiritual to have a savings account for the education of one’s children?
Each Christian needs to have a keen sense of stewardship of all that the Lord gives him. He needs to live frugally and to give generously. This is a world full of needs, spiritual and physical. To live carelessly and in luxury can hardly please the One who “though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich” (2 Cor. 8:9). Most of us live too well, too selfishly. Many Christians do not even give a tithe, ten percent. In these matters let each be exercised in heart and be fully convinced in his own mind.
Another area where it might be well to exercise some tolerance is the area of eschatology, the teaching concerning the last times. While all true Christians do believe Christ is returning, not all see eye to eye on the details of His return. Paul describes Christians as those who “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven” (1 Thess. 1:9-10). Jesus Himself urged His followers always to be ready and waiting. But of that day and hour no one knows (Mt. 24:36). Yet some foolishly continue to set dates for Christ’s return.
Every generation is to heed the exhortation: “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him” (Mt. 24:44, NKJV). Each Christian can have that hope living in his heart; Christ is returning! While His coming is imminent and impending, it is not necessarily immediate. Christ prepared His disciples for a long wait (Mt. 25:19). Peter knew he would die before Christ would return (Jn. 21:19; 2 Pet. 1:14). But in every age the prayer of the saints has been, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).
Having said this, it must be recognized that the details surrounding His coming are not agreed upon by those who love His appearing. Perhaps it will be like our Lord’s first coming when the details only became clear later. They had a real struggle then, believing that the Messiah must first suffer (Lk. 24:25-26). Let each Christian study the Scripture for himself, seeking to be open to what the Word says. And let each be fully convinced in his own mind and live as one waiting for his Lord to return.