We need to be concerned with the heart of a person, more than outward appearance and even actions. Those "whose faith was weak" were probably Jewish Christians. The reason for thinking this is that the matters referred to concern certain foods and special days. If these had been associated with pagan rituals it is unlikely that Paul would have said it was OK for them to observe these things.
It is also important to draw a distinction between the Jewish Christians here and the Judaisers of Galatia. The latter were proud and acting against the gospel (saying one needed to be circumcised in order to please God), the ones here are acting out of a genuine desire to please God. They were concerned about eating meat because this may have been offered to idols, and so would be "unclean". Others said it was OK to eat meat because we can eat anything. Both sets of people are to treat the other with respect, not considering themselves better than the other. We need to recognise what is truly important, if someone's heart is for God, then that is the main thing. For God has accepted both. We need to remember that the Church is belongs to Christ, not us, and that we belong to God.
The special days probably refer to various ceremonial days. Again the attitude of the heart is the key thing. If we live, we live for Christ. If we deny ourselves something, again we do it for Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment