1 Chronicles 11; 1 Chronicles 12:1-22; Romans 14:19-23; Romans 15:1-13; Psalm 89:46-52

“Blessed is the man who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” – Romans 14:22

What a great statement!  A friend of mine talks about a church down the road from his house that defines itself by what it is not – Non-charismatic and non-denominational.  Sometimes, I think we define ourselves similarly.  We say, “I’m not this kind of person, I’m not that kind of person.”  We define ourselves by what we approve or don’t approve of.  Then, I look at myself and think “DUDE, WHO CARES WHAT YOU APPROVE OF?”

I mean, I care what God approves of.  I think my friends care what God approves of.  That’s what really matters.  What an incredible challenge we’re presented with in Romans 14!  Basically, we’re challenged to shut up, stop judging people, stop determining how spiritual people are based on rules that we make up, and just live our lives to the best of our abilities – to judge our own motives and moralities.

Few of us give others as much grace as we give ourselves.  Even fewer judge ourselves as harshly as we judge those around us.  Here’s to trying to change that!