God said in His word that we were to "build up one another" when we gather. Sadly in most gatherings I see the opposite of this, a tearing down of those who want to deeply follow the scriptures.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing."
Romans 14:19
Building up one another has nothing to do with praise toward one another. It is about speaking truth to one another joyfully engaging to encourage us to keep seeking Christ.
Romans 14:19-23
"19 So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
20 Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the person who eats and causes offense.
21 It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles.
22 The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves.
23 But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin."
Notice God said not to argue over food, I have encountered many people who look down on others for how they eat, even becoming rude over it. When we hear someone speaking about food more than they speak of Christ it is a clue about what and who they value.
There is much freedom of choice in following Christ. If there is no principle in Scripture to cover our desired practice then we have no business chastising someone else for their choices that do not violate Scriptural principles and commands.
Those who elevate their own desired practice above God by making a new rule that God never made are a god unto themselves. I have noticed Christians who make these rules and judge others for not following their rules, are twisting Scripture to justify those rules, adding to the word of God they end up violating it and worse they negate other scriptures God did give.
John 14:15 "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome,"
1 John 2:3-5
"By this we can be sure that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments. / If anyone says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him. / But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him:"
Everything we think we believe ought to be tested by the Word of God. All tradition that God never gave should be disregarded because it is a distraction from an authentic walk with Christ. Many who feel a need to hang onto traditions will frequently add to the scriptures and omit others to be able to justify their desired belief.
May we seek Christ and not the traditions of men or the acceptance of others.
