Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Romans 14-16
Romans 14:5
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
In Romans 14 Paul deals with this matter of judging one another. Therein he mentions in passing a very poignant issue. Doubt. In his day there was an upheaval of Biblical proportions over the keeping of the law versus the dispensation of grace. The entirety of Romans is devoted to the issue of law and grace. The people to whom he is communicating were confused. “Should I keep the holy days of our forefathers, the Jewish high days, or are we free not to.” Herein Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, concludes that, in this context, each believer in Christ must decide for themselves.
But in this decision-making process every Christian should have this goal: to be …fully persuaded in his own mind. Which introduces the topic of today’s devotion. Which is… “If it’s doubtful, don’t do it.” This thought was first planted into my mind over thirty years ago. The preacher said it and proved its veracity with the Scriptures. It is a philosophy of life, a worthy goal, and a simple reminder that has assisted this pastor well for almost four decades. While Paul mentions this in whether to eat, or not eat, respect a day, or not respect a day, or anything else of a religious nature, let us consider it in an everyday application.
Being fully persuaded means to not be doubtful. Let us say a married couple has a decision to make. Buying a new house, changing jobs, how to educate their children, anything. They think about the options, study the Scriptures about it, pray over it, receive godly counsel about it, and yet are not settled, not convinced, unsure, still doubtful about the final decision. If this be the case, don’t do anything until there is no more doubt.
You see, God has a will for you, a plan, a purpose. He will lead, guide and direct. But His leadership for you may be different than His leadership for some other couple. There is a reason He wants you to do that which He wants you to do. Others may not need to do what you do because His purpose for them is different than His purpose for you. When He wants something for you or from you, He will make it as clear as the ringing of a bell is clear. Others may not understand, but to you it will be clear. Until it is clear though, do nothing, make no decisions, rush not into action, be not pressured by the actions, words or thinking of others. Be fully persuaded, 100% certain, then make your decision and stick with it.
If it’s doubtful, don’t do it. Don’t do it until all doubt is removed. This will save heartache, impulsiveness, money, and confusion. Now, no doubt, there are things given to us in Scripture that we must do, even though we don’t understand it. Remember, Peter was told of the Lord to let down his nets. He doubted the Lord’s command, but obeyed and caught a great number of fish. This is not the kind of doubt of which we are speaking. Paul is speaking of two avenues, both acceptable of God, keep the day or not keep the day, eat or do not eat. Consider Christmas. Some observe this day, some do not. Those that do are no better than those who don’t, and those who don’t are no better than those that do. Some have no problem eating in a restaurant that serves alcohol. Some do. Some do not go out to eat on Sunday, some do. It is a matter of personal conscience, coupled with God’s leadership. There is much hurt caused by the self-righteous judgment of the liberty of other Christians within Christianity. Of this all should be on constant guard.
Nonetheless, a good piece of advice from a long time, very successful man of God who today abides in Heaven. “If it’s doubtful, don’t do it. Until all doubt is removed.”
Dr. William T. Howe
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