Taking Stand

Have you ever met an opinion that sounds more than just that - a mere opinion?


"Have you any idea how much sugar you consume from that bottle of soda?" "I am not comfortable with your short skirt, young woman. Why, you could cause a lot of men to stumble" "Sorry I don't drink. Neither should you."


It really gets to your nerves. Until you realize you've done that too yourself - imposing your opinions on others. There is a term for such kind of "opinions". It is called "conviction"; taking a stand.

People uphold convictions and take stands for several reasons. The issues can range from health to culture; to moral and non-moral issues. Whatever the reasons are, they are always rooted on a basis: truth and "seemingly" truth. When people take clear stands that are based on clear accepted truth, rarely will a debate spark. But often times that not, convictions that find no clear legitimate basis are what irritates us.


It is interesting however, that the Bible (the best-seller book that spells out clearly what is right and wrong) states clearly the proper behavior required of believers on matters where it gives no command or principle, also known as "disputable manners".


In Romans 14 and 15, the issue of debate among believers did not revolve in short skirts or drinking but was centered on eating meat. Apparently, early Roman Christians had disputes about eating meat that was sold in the market. Some held that since the meat may have been offered to idols, it is "contaminated" and thereby unfit for "Christian consumption". Others were concerned that the animal may have not been slaughtered properly according to Jewish food laws requirements.

The Apostle Paul (who penned the Letter to the Romans) neither sided with the carnivorous or the vegetarian in this situation. He has no reasons to; simply because it is not a "right or wrong" issue. There is no biblical command that prohibits believers from eating meat sold in the Roman market. The decision, instead, falls under their area of freedom.


Hence, we derive the first principle: The Christian must be able to distinguish between matters of command and matters of freedom. He is expected to be knowledgeable of the commandments of God, lest he be coming up with his own commandments (when they were just convictions) thinking they were God's.


Second, once the distinction between matters of command and matters of freedom is clear, he is expected to come up with his own personal conviction. "Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind (Romans 14:5)." It is the responsibility of the believer to make an intelligible decision with the intent of honoring God.


There could be a hundred reasons why he feels he should abstain from meat; but whatever those reasons are, he "shall give account of himself to God (Romans 14:12)." In short, he has to have responsible convictions. It is not a conviction that is "La lang", to put it in present-day colloquial terms. He has to take responsible stands, far from mere personal opinions. And those stands should have an objective: to honor God.


What do we do then with those who differ from our convictions? The natural tendency is to clamor for people to side with ours, to proclaim that our own conviction is the conviction. But Paul chides us, "Accept". We are to accept other people's convictions no matter how inferior they may seems to us. Why? Because that weak conviction was also made to honor God. "He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God (Romans 14:6)." We may differ in opinions to honor God in disputable manners, but we are to exhibit unity in our relationships.



But then how can unity be expressed in divers God-honoring convictions? Paul provides a succinct answer that sums it all up: "So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God (Romans 14:22)." It means: Don't flaunt it. Don't proclaim it from the rooftop. Don't publish it. Don't even express your opinion - solicited or unsolicited.


It's just between you and God. The moment you tell others about it, either you imply the superiority of you conviction or the inferiority of the other party's. Remember: in disputable manners, it is impossible to discern who is right and wrong, who is superior and inferior, at least from a human point of view. Only God, to whom the convictions are solely held for, is the rightful judge. . . and a rewarder of those who seek Him.


So the next time you are taking a stand, be sure you know if it is a biblical command or a matter of dispute. If it's the latter, take that God-honoring stand without stepping on other people. Remember, it's between you and God.