"Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way." Romans 14:13
On April 1, racers in the Stanford Invitational 1500 meters faced an unexpected obstacle when an inattentive race official walked onto the track in front of them. When the official noticed he was in the way, he tried moving to the inside but wasn't quick enough and was trampled by a pack of runners including Michael Rimmer, a three-time British Olympian, who was in second place but failed to even finish because of the fiasco. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured though and the race resumed after the 10-minute delay.
As the story illustrates, obstacles can come out of nowhere and cause us to stumble and fall. And while most times we have no control over them, we can control being that hurdle or stumbling block to someone else by doing as Paul instructs, "stop judging one another." You see, many mature Christians like Paul, felt free to eat any kind of food while others thought they should only eat vegetables. In situations like this and others, he urged neither of these groups to judge the other because what was right in one person's mind might not be right to another. And that the more mature Christian should be careful not to practice doing what they believed to be "okay" at the expense of causing the weaker Christian to disobey their conscience and do the same-thus stumbling or falling into sin.
In other words, Paul was advising us to constantly monitor the effects our behavior has on others that you and I might be a stepping stone to others rather than a stumbling block. And that's great advice for avoiding any conflicts or collisions isn't it?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that reminds us the power our behavior has on others. Help us to be ever mindful of what we eat, drink and do that we might not be an obstacle in our brother's way. And help us to lift up and encourage others to follow you as their consciences call them to without passing judgement. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Need to breathe - Brother
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