The Company You Keep

Brothers and Sisters,
      The holiday season is coming to a close and it is time to start anew. It was a season of parties, family gatherings, meeting up with old and new friends. With everything that happened this year, relationships were strained due to disagreements on everything from life choices to politics. We let worldly things rule over us and there were many things that people became offended by even though they continue to listen, watch, or even conduct themselves in the ways and things that they found offensive (ex. Baby, It’s Cold Outside and they still listen to artists that promote sexual promiscuity). With the New Year starting on Tuesday we must remember what Paul said about things that tempt us and staying away from those who do not consider those around them.
Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith that you have, keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin. Romans 14:13-23
In today’s society this goes way beyond food and drink. So many boast in their sinful life choices and when we accept the life choices of others as a part of who they are, we are just as guilty (Jesus said that). This goes way beyond sexual preference and depravities, it is the materialism (love of money), addictions, fantasy worlds that become realities, life on the internet, all the distractions and idols that keep us from God. We live in a world where being sinful is the norm. This must end. 
It is time for us to welcome the Father back to our great nation. Jesus asked us to Love our enemies and bless those who persecute us but we have let them run over us. We also must remember to protect ourselves from those who may harm us. Remove, not welcome, those who do not conform and destroy our way of life. Give to those in need but ask God to lead you first. Too many seek to live off others while they are perfectly capable to be on their own.   
2019 is the year were we must take a stand against those who tempt us. Some of the things we can give up on our own but as for other things we must be vigilant and outspoken without the others thinking we are condemning and judging them. God gives us the way to helping others by opening their eyes to their sin by showing love and compassion through the Holy Spirit. We cannot let our convictions be compromised. I know many who are leading lives in sin, they know my thoughts and do not boast in their sinful ways. Some have given up their sinfulness and turned to God while others cannot escape it. By showering others with God’s Love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit we are able to protect ourselves from falling into their sin.

​Rob, Servant of God