Why Isn’t God Fixing This? Stupidity; Coercive Psychological Leaders; Murder

The answer to the question as to “Why isn’t God fixing this?” leads us to ask another question before we can answer properly. Which God would you like to fix it? Recently, The Daily News stated that ”God is not fixing this”. Well, which God is not fixing this? http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/gop-candidates-call-prayers-calf-massacre-article-1.2453261

Because we assume that when we hear the title “God”, this means “Creator”, we have erroneously been blaming the wrong God for the mess the earth is in. There isn’t just one God, there are many. According to the Bible the Creator is God, the devil is god, angels are god, demons are god, humans are god, the Holy Spirit is God, and Jesus is God. But in an effort to erase Jesus from the position of Elohim/Theos some groups have announced to the world there is only one God. But the Bible declares many gods. As we also know the word Elohim is plural in Hebrew and Theos is plural in Greek, we Christians have neglected to inform the world of those facts. God is a title like king, ruler, or magistrate, not a personal name. With this information, we can now answer the question properly. The god of this world is not fixing this. This is now a true statement and is absolutely correct. The devil has been the god of this world for almost 6,000 years, if you’re thinking you want him to fix things, he won’t because he is the first murderer.  He likes creating the chaos that humans mistakenly blame on the Creator, God (Yahweh). The Creator, God, is not in charge of the world at the moment, but rest assured He will be again. Albeit the Creator God has emissaries, who are other gods, that will help and intervene for humans on the earth when able. But the god of this world, the prince of the power of the air, the prince of this world, has a vested interest in humans rejecting Jesus as Messiah and he uses his gods, who are under his control, to multiply earthly mayhem.

We, the church, have done a terrible job of teaching this. Most likely, the Daily News headline was not written by someone who actually believes there is a Creator God, but none the less, here are a few past blog posts to study if this is new information to you.

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/12/omni-god-his-name-is-yahweh-mighty.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/11/gods-among-men-unraveling-satan.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/09/creatures-and-creation-in-calamity-who.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/04/pursuing-happiness-god-is-not-mad-at.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/03/unseen-and-invisible-spiritual-world.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/12/omni-god-his-name-is-yahweh-mighty.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2012/06/father-of-lies-jesus-i-am-witchcraft.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/12/jesus-name-in-old-testament-messiah.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-choice-aleph-and-tav-part-1-of.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2014/08/supernatural-visions-and-aleph-tav-who.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2015/10/satan-venus-hesperus-evening-star.html

http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2015/11/he-fills-earth-with-war-not-cherub.html

When we see horrific acts of murder, whether done by a lone individual, multiple members of a gang, or a married religious couple, we scratch our heads wondering why God isn’t fixing this. It is actually a good question and the blame goes far and wide. We have preachers, who in an attempt to make money, stir people up emotionally, causing some individuals to become violent to fulfill their beliefs and to appease their god. We have people who have been led to believe that we have to cluster in gangs and become territorial, inciting gang wars to appease the gang leaders, even when the gangs take their violent acts to city parks where children play. We also have enraged religious leaders who invoke their listeners to violent acts against those who do not live as they do, as a way to appease their god. We have religious, social, or community leaders who are narcissistic self-promotors and provoke followers to murderous acts. But who listens to these crazy people?

It seems that without rational thought, there are many people trying to appease someone or something because of the belief system they have been coerced into believing. The people following these ideas, whether social or religious, are fundamentalists. They follow, to the letter, the preacher, politician, the cult leader, without taking rational thought for their actions. We must look at the type of people who follow or are followers to this degree. Mostly, they are not leaders but followers, easily influenced and swayed emotionally. In many areas of their lives they might function normally, but in one or two areas they allow themselves to “drink the kool-aid” so to speak. It doesn’t matter what the tool for murder is, guns, knives, bare hands, the follower will do what he or she is told because if they follow what these big-headed arrogant leaders say, they will “win the prize”, whatever it may be.  

Jesus’ words still make a lot of people mad because the things he said are different from what we see on the extreme side of churches. While we can’t prevent crazy people from gathering a following and pressuring followers into enacting horrible murders, we can attempt to decipher what makes some people become murderers. And then we can teach the world why the god of this world isn’t fixing gun violence, but is instead provoking it. 

Luke 6:9-11 Then Jesus said to them, I ask you, is it lawful and right on the Sabbath to do good [so that someone derives advantage from it] or to do evil, to save a life [and make a soul safe] or to destroy it? 10 Then He glanced around at them all and said to the man, Stretch out your hand! And he did so, and his hand was fully restored like the other one. 11 But they were filled with lack of understanding and senseless rage [454] and discussed (consulted) with one another what they might do to Jesus. AMP

NT:454 anoia (an'-oy-ah); from a compound of NT:1 (as a negative particle) and NT:3563; stupidity; by implication, rage: KJV - folly, madness.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Luke 6:11 And they were filled with madness [454]; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus. KJV

Luke 6:11G1473But they G1161 G4130were filled G454with thoughtlessness; G2532and G1255they discussed G4314with G240one another G5100what G302they might G4160do G3588to G*Jesus

We see the word anoia translated in different ways, “lack of understanding and senseless rage”, “madness”, or “thoughtlessness”, and by definition “stupidity”.  It is interesting that the law was more important to these Pharisees than this man’s withered hand being healed. They had an allegiance to laws rather than a compassion for hurting humans. Jesus confronted their thinking and they got mad. Which is right? The answer to that will depend on one’s ideology. Therefore, is it better to listen to a religious leader who demands adherence to rules and laws or is it better to think independently for one’s self in each matter?

Luke 11:38-42 The Pharisee noticed and was astonished [to see] that Jesus did not first wash before dinner. 39 But the Lord said to him, Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the plate, but inside you yourselves are full of greed and robbery and extortion and malice and wickedness. 40 You senseless (foolish, stupid) [878] ones [acting without reflection or intelligence]! Did not He Who made the outside make the inside also? 41 But [dedicate your inner self and] give as donations to the poor of those things which are within [of inward righteousness] and behold, everything is purified and clean for you. 42 But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every [little] herb, but disregard and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done without leaving the others undone. [Lev 27:30; Mic 6:8.] AMP

NT:878 aphron (af'-rone); from NT:1 (as a negative particle) and NT:5424; properly, mindless, i.e. stupid, (by implication) ignorant, (specially) egotistic, (practically) rash, or (morally) unbelieving: KJV - fool (-ish), unwise.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Jesus tells these Pharisees that they are senseless, mindless, stupid, and/or ignorant. Think about that, Jesus’s opinion of these leaders is that they are mindless. Jesus says they are stupid. Jesus wants us to know that they are ignorant. Jesus’ point is that they are full of greed and robbery and they act without intelligence. So who would follow someone like this? Unfortunately many people.

Have you ever heard of the prosperity gospel? The idea that if you give to a certain preacher or church, God will multiply the money you gave back to you. Certainly Jesus says if we give it will be given back in good measure. But there are some sly preachers who pressure their congregants to give with empty promises of returned wealth. What is being preached to the church is backward. Consider this, the preacher wants money for himself or his organization so the preacher says to the people give and God will multiply your money 100 fold (preacher talk for 100 times, as if your $20 dollar donation would increase to $2,000). This idea of giving money and receiving 100 fold is not actually in the Bible, yet this is the “magic formula” the people are told to believe. If the preacher or the organization needs money, the preacher should send out $20 to all the congregation so that God will multiply the money back to the church. If a pastor needs a plane, then the pastor should send out 1/100^th of the full amount he needs to the congregants. When it multiplies by magic, he will have the money to buy his plane. If that truly is a “magic formula” for average church goers, why doesn’t the preacher follow the same prescribed plan? If this were an exact science, the giving, tithing, church goers would be monetarily wealthy, above and beyond anyone else. The key to understanding here is coerced giving as compared to giving from the heart by the direction of the Holy Spirit. We should give and we should be generous because that is where blessings come from, but if the “magic formula” was an absolute, we would all be financially wealthy. There are some very wealthy preachers out there, but the Bible tells us the Levites were not to own property or possessions. Few well-to-do preachers give away all their wealth and live at the income level of the average congregant. We are to give when the Lord tells us to, and we are to do it cheerfully, but we should not give if a man makes us feel obligated, forced, or shamed into doing so. Likewise we should not give to manipulate God so that he will multiply our giving. Logic sometimes hurts, doesn’t it?

It’s not just leaders who are senseless, but all of humanity became senseless at the time of Nimrod when everyone started making their own idol gods and forgot the Creator God.

Rom 1:21-22 Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless [878] minds were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves]. AMP

Truly the people became simpletons. That is a good word to describe people who follow lies and distortions. Paul points out that what the people thought they were doing was better than recognizing the Creator God, glorifying Him, and giving Him thanks. At the time, Nimrod made it a cultural norm to mock the people who believed in the Creator God and mock the people who gave the Creator thanks for the rain for their crops. Paul was pointing out to the Romans that they themselves, at that time, were stupid and ignorant.

We have the same Greek word here and the same context regarding people becoming senseless or stupid.

Psalm 14:1 0G1519To  G3588the  G5056director; G5568a psalm G3588to G*David.

 1G2036 [²said G878¹ The fool] G1722inG2588his heart, G1473 G3756There is no G1510.2.3 G2316God. G1311They were corrupted G2532and G948abhorrent G1722in G2006.1their practices. G3756There is not G1510.2.3 G4160one doing G5544that which is good

People who do not believe in the Creator God are called stupid and mindless. Yet people who do believe in the Creator today are mocked and sarcastically told not to bother praying. It may be that the non-believers simply have a louder voice within the media than the believers. In context here in Psalms we see the rest of the story of Romans.

Ps 14:1-4 THE [empty-headed] fool has said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable deeds; there is none that does good or right. [Rom 3:10.] 2 The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men to see if there were any who understood, dealt wisely, and sought after God, inquiring for and of Him and requiring Him [of vital necessity]. 3 They are all gone aside, they have all together become filthy; there is none that does good or right, no, not one. [Rom 3:11,12.] 4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread and who do not call on the Lord? AMP

This text is also reiterated in Psalm 53. Those who don’t know the Creator behave as if they themselves are in charge and take matters into their own hands, whether it is declaring via media that there is no God or murdering people who disagree. The simple minded quiet follower has the same problem as the simple minded violent follower, neither know the Creator God whose name is Yahweh. Paul asks the Galatians why they are senseless, stupid and ignorant.

Gal 3:1-4 O YOU poor and silly and thoughtless and unreflecting and senseless [878] Galatians! Who has fascinated or bewitched or cast a spell over you, unto whom — right before your very eyes — Jesus Christ (the Messiah) was openly and graphically set forth and portrayed as crucified? 2 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?] 3 Are you so foolish and so senseless [878] and so silly? Having begun [your new life spiritually] with the [Holy] Spirit, are you now reaching perfection [by dependence] on the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things and experienced so much all for nothing (to no purpose) — if it really is to no purpose and in vain? AMP

We see that it is easy to become a non-thinker. The unscrupulous leader, whether religious, political, or cultural seems to have a bewitching effect on some. We have to allow ourselves to actually think for ourselves. We have to educate ourselves so as not to fall into this trap of being stupid and believing everything we are told. It is alright not to agree with a religious leader or political leader or a community or cultural leader. If we do not agree with our leader it simply means we have our own mind and our own life to live. Aside from abiding by the laws of the nation we live in, we do not have to do things we disagree with, such as religious or spiritual practices. I think Paul said it well when he asked who has bewitched you.

We have to consider the coercive psychological system some leaders institute over their followers. A true leader does not need to force anyone to follow, but an egotistical leader will do just that. In order to force one to follow, a system of manipulations has to be implemented. Usually this entails a set of ideas proclaimed as true that originate with superstitions to shape the way the followers are to think so that they are “triggered” to behave in the manner the self-important leader wants. By perpetuating the same ideas over and over, the followers’ defenses are worn down and they become simpletons. This is brainwashing. Have we been brainwashed into the prosperity gospel, or to follow the old covenant law? Have we been programmed to believe that the Creator God (Yahweh) is the only God and he is punishing everyone? Have we been brainwashed into thinking that the Creator God is “allowing” bad things to happen when we declare tragedies are an “act of God”? What if the Bible does not affirm these things but we believe what someone told us? We won’t know if we are mistaken if we don’t educate ourselves and allow ourselves to think for ourselves.

What if someone coerces us into believing that killing others is acceptable? Even if we do not use the Bible as our guide for faith and practice, is it ever acceptable to promote a religious or social agenda by murder? Socially the answer is no. Culturally the answer is no. Therefore whoever is usurping logical or rational thought over a follower is bewitching that follower. Murder is not a legal act in the world except at a time of war. If the follower believes what the narcissistic leader is promoting, such as murder, the follower has been brainwashed. We discussed the idea of people who are weak in faith and strong in faith. Clearly, the weak do not think for themselves, while the strong are not suckered into stupidity. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2015/11/edification-weak-faith-holy-day.html

If we look back at the word stupidity or rage from the Greek, we see a few more interesting ideas. Here in Proverbs stupidity leads to “delusion”.  

Proverbs 14:8G4678The wisdom G3835of the astute G1921will realize G3588 G3598their ways; G1473 G454but the thoughtlessness G1161 G878of fools G1722leads unto G4106delusion

This sums up the problem of why followers keep following bad leaders, because thoughtlessness or stupidity leads to delusion. As we studied a few weeks ago, people become addicted to delusion. Delusions simply perpetuate the cycle of deeper and deeper stupidity. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2015/09/addicted-to-delusion-craft-of-delusion.html

Ecc 11:10G2532And G868leave G2372rage G575from G2588your heart, G1473 G2532and G3855pass off G4189wickedness G575from G4561your flesh! G1473 G3754for G3588 G3503youth G2532and G3588 G454thoughtlessness G3153are folly

Solomon’s words here are interesting. Thoughtlessness can be a trait of youth. Young people all reach an age where they outgrow their parent’s ideals and determine to think for themselves. This is a good time for growth in a young person, but it can also leave them susceptible to brainwashing by conniving manipulative individuals if the youth is not careful. Folly is vanity or moral depravity. Some groups indoctrinate young children to become murderers, there is always a hope that as they grow into adulthood they will learn to think for themselves and not become mass murderers. Unfortunately, the weak seem to gravitate to murderous groups because they do not think for themselves.

Let’s answer the question as to who is causing the chaos on the earth. Jesus is speaking to the religious leaders who were denying that he could be the Messiah, instead they were calling him a bastard child. Notice Jesus’ words to these religious leaders, he points out that the Creator God is not their Father but instead the devil is their father.

John 8:41-44 You are doing the works of your [own] father. They said to Him, We are not illegitimate children and born out of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42 Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, you would love Me and respect Me and welcome Me gladly, for I proceeded (came forth) from God [out of His very presence]. I did not even come on My own authority or of My own accord (as self-appointed); but He sent Me. 43 Why do you misunderstand what I say? It is because you are unable to hear what I am saying. [You cannot bear to listen to My message; your ears are shut to My teaching.] 44 You are of your father, the devil, and it is your will to practice the lusts and gratify the desires [which are characteristic] of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false. AMP

The devil was a murderer from the beginning, and he is a liar and the father of lies. Yes, the devil sits on a throne of lies. So who do you suppose is propagating a murderous agenda on the earth? Who do you suppose is raising up arrogant egotistical leaders to psychologically coerce and incite the simple minded to commit violent mass murder? This lack of knowledge is dangerous to all followers, but especially to the youth because most youth have not grown in wisdom to discern who is behind the religious garb, or the smooth talker on the street, or in the political hierarchy. 

Paul explains to us what/who changed us from being thoughtless and senseless individuals, Jesus.

Titus 3:3-9 For we also were once thoughtless and senseless, obstinate and disobedient, deluded and misled; [we too were once] slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures, wasting our days in malice and jealousy and envy, hateful (hated, detestable) and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our Savior to man [as man] appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the] cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 Which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 [And He did it in order] that we might be justified by His grace (by His favor, wholly undeserved), [that we might be acknowledged and counted as conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action], and that we might become heirs of eternal life according to [our] hope. 8 This message is most trustworthy, and concerning these things I want you to insist steadfastly, so that those who have believed in (trusted in, relied on) God may be careful to apply themselves to honorable occupations and to doing good, for such things are [not only] excellent and right [in themselves], but [they are] good and profitable for the people. 9 But avoid stupid and foolish controversies and genealogies and dissensions and wrangling about the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile. AMP

It is because of Jesus’ loving kindness to us that changes us from being hateful towards others, stupid, and deluded, to people who are justified, and His heirs. Peter also gives us the direction we need in turbulent times when some people don’t believe in the Creator and others believe murder is their directive.

1 Peter 2:15 For it is God's will and intention that by doing right [your good and honest lives] should silence (muzzle, gag) the ignorant charges and ill-informed criticisms of foolish [878] persons. AMP

Our directive is clear, Christians are to continue to live good and honest lives regardless of the stupidity of the media or the stupidity of murderers. To criticize someone who is living a good and honest life shows the criticizer as foolish. Yahweh is not fixing gun violence. The devil is promoting gun violence. One can ask the devil to discontinue his campaign to murder innocent people but he probably won’t. And since he is the god of this world for a little longer, we can continue to hold back as much violence as possible through prayer. Only someone who is ignorant of the Bible and its directives would think that national laws can stop violence. The obvious problem we face is weak minded, stupid, followers of egocentric self-absorbed narcissists. If we could shut the mouths of those posers we could make some progress in ending senseless mass murders. We keep looking in the wrong place for solutions to things that are not problems. We pretend national laws and regulations can change a murderous heart, but they can’t. We allow dominant people to use coercive psychological tactics on followers to incite murder, but somehow do not put the responsibility for murder back on those doing the brainwashing. This is not just a religious problem, it is cultural, social, and political, as well. Yahweh loves humans and He wants to save humans. This life on earth is not all there is, there is life after death, a life we can live with Him, eternally. The devil does not have the power or the ability to create; he himself was a created being. All the devil can affect is the present, not the future. But the Creator, Yahweh, has a plan, and He told us about it, having the Holy Spirit record it for us. While tragedies occur and we mourn and have sorrow on this earth, they will not last forever for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Messiah.    

Edification; Weak Faith; Holy Day Observances; Builders

There are some people who would like to erase the difference between the old and new covenants. The problem we encounter is that Jesus’ blood changed everything. Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension changed all things. When one decides to erase those differences, that one minimizes Jesus’ sacrifice, and in turn that one must rely on rules and laws to appease a God that they actually don’t know. Paul tells us that the one who relies on rules and laws is weak in his faith, while the one who does not rely on rules and laws is strong in his faith. It seems the opposite is presented to the body of Christ; meaning that those who cling to rules and laws are somehow more spiritual than those who do not. That is exactly the opposite of what Paul wrote to us. In gaining a better perspective of this issue, we see that Paul was trying to help us to get along with other members of the body of Christ. He gives us some helpful ideas on the subject and suggests we edify one another. If one lives under the law, that one will always be critical and judgmental of others who do not live the way they do. Additionally, that person who lives under the law is weak in his faith.

Building up others is not a common practice in our society. Most people are torn down all day long. Edification means building, as in a building or edifice but also building people up or edifying one another. It is the practice of helping others to mature and not be weak. The mature strong believer should be someone who edifies others in the body of Christ. During the season we celebrate holidays with family and friends we sometimes struggle with other people. Some are weak in faith and some are strong in faith. Paul gives us some good ideas for not only getting along with others but living with a standard of love. Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another, and it is this idea that we see so little of when people who put themselves under the law encounter those who are free in Christ. Those who are mature and strong in faith will have to allow those who are weak to step on their toes so to speak. The people strong in faith will have to “bend” a little to accommodate the weak. Remember, this is the opposite of what is regularly promoted in the church today.

We have looked at all the insane religious practices that entered into Israel and how these ritual observances caused them to fall away from Yahweh. Even when Jesus came to show us the simplicity of love and relationship with Him, people had a hard time not performing religious rituals to make them look and feel close to Yahweh. From the time Jesus was crucified and then ascended, there was never any need for humans to practice ritual services. There is no temple and there is no temple observances required to be righteous. Instead, we have the perfect solution, a personal relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit within us. That stated, there are many who want to push others into observing laws and rituals regardless of the age we live in. Some people gain a lot of money by telling others all the special secret observances they are missing and how their lives would be better if they practiced these special secret observances. Those are the corrupt hirelings. But we have to look at the people who actually fall into this trap and understand they are weak because they do not have the proper personal relationship with Christ that they should. Paul enlightens us.   

Rom 14:1 AS FOR the man who is a weak believer, welcome him [into your fellowship], but not to criticize his opinions or pass judgment on his scruples or perplex him with discussions. 2 One [man's faith permits him to] believe he may eat anything, while a weaker one [limits his] eating to vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats look down on or despise him who abstains, and let not him who abstains criticize and pass judgment on him who eats; for God has accepted and welcomed him.

What we see here is Paul pointing out that there are people in many different stages of their faith. The weaker one’s faith is, the more rules and laws he lives by. The stronger one’s faith is, the less rules and laws he lives by. It is easy to see how we can have a wide range of people in different stages of their faith. We have to remember not to expect everyone to be in the same place spiritually. And we also have to remember that it is not up to us to force others to grow up.

Some people become perplexed by deep discussions, just as some people can not handle reading some of the intense subjects we have covered in this blog. Wisdom tells us who to discuss our Christian faith with and who not to. For example I probably would not explain to an octogenarian the ritual sexual practices of male and female prostitution that occurred in the inner courts of the temple because their Pollyanna belief system would be challenged. We would not want them to lose their faith over that. I could however, have that conversation with a Bible College Student, as it would give the student something to study that he/she probably won’t learn in school.

Paul then goes on to mention that we are not to criticize someone else’s’ servant. Some servants do things differently than others, again, speaking to the Roman church, Paul mentions that it is the Lord who will make one stand.      

Rom 14:4 Who are you to pass judgment on and censure another's household servant? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he shall stand and be upheld, for the Master (the Lord) is mighty to support him and make him stand.

Paul goes on to discuss other religious observances such as holidays. Observe the day in honor of the Lord, whether one eats or not. Some religious groups fast on holy days and some do not, either way do it unto the Lord.

Rom 14:5 One man esteems one day as better than another, while another man esteems all days alike [sacred]. Let everyone be fully convinced (satisfied) in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. He also who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God; while he who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. AMP

Most holidays are social and cultural observances. Under the new covenant we are not required to observe them, but we can if we would like. Let us be convinced in our own minds. Paul also tells the Colossians not to let anyone judge you on account of what he accomplished for you, freeing you from the law. 

Col 2:16-17 Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath. 17 Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, and they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ. AMP

There are many schools of thought on what Christians should do on holidays, the extreme view on each side and everything in between. Should we celebrate, should we not celebrate, really it is about what we are doing. Are we bowing in worship to someone or something else? Do we pray to Santa or Jesus? Are we enjoying a feast with family and friends? We all know that Jesus was not born on December 25^th, and we recognize that the Romans combined many pagan holy days with Christian holy days to bring both religions together forming one new one. Therefore we have to think through the observance and who we are observing. There is no “right” answer. The weak in faith will be legalistic and not celebrate Christmas and not put up a tree or lights, and may even condemn others for doing so. The strong in faith will recognize Christmas as a time we can love others centered around Jesus (even if it isn’t his birthday) and spend time reconnecting with distant family and friends while enjoying the month of decorations. Back to Romans.

Rom 14:7 None of us lives to himself [but to the Lord], and none of us dies to himself [but to the Lord, for] 8 If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or we die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For Christ died and lived again for this very purpose, that He might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.

Jesus is Lord of the living and the dead; remember he now has the keys to hell and death. No one gets past him. That was the first part of his plan to redeem humans, he set the dead captives free. His second part of the plan to redeem humans is to buy back all the people who believe on him on the day of redemption. Therefore, Paul warns us not to judge our brothers as to their weak faith or strong faith.

Rom 14:10 Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you look down upon or despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God [acknowledge Him to His honor and to His praise]. [Isa 45:23.] 12 And so each of us shall give an account of himself [give an answer in reference to judgment] to God. 13 Then let us no more criticize and blame and pass judgment on one another, but rather decide and endeavor never to put a stumbling block or an obstacle or a hindrance in the way of a brother.

Paul tells us not to criticize one another. We will stand before Jesus, not for how we criticized one another but for how we ourselves lived. Remember mercy, forgiveness, and judgment are weighed and balanced. The amount of mercy, forgiveness, or judgment we extend to others is the amount we receive. We have to decide not to put a stumbling block in front of anyone.

Rom 14:14 I know and am convinced (persuaded) as one in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is [forbidden as] essentially unclean (defiled and unholy in itself). But [none the less] it is unclean (defiled and unholy) to anyone who thinks it is unclean. 15 But if your brother is being pained or his feelings hurt or if he is being injured by what you eat, [then] you are no longer walking in love. [You have ceased to be living and conducting yourself by the standard of love toward him.] Do not let what you eat hurt or cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died!

If it is within our power to not hurt someone weak in their faith, we should take the opportunity to live a standard of love. If we are truly walking in love we will not pressure those who are weak in their faith to live the way we do. Consequently, a person weak in their faith may criticize us for seeming to live without many rules and laws, but being more mature, we are to simply love the weak believer.

Rom 14:16 Do not therefore let what seems good to you be considered an evil thing [by someone else]. [In other words, do not give occasion for others to criticize that which is justifiable for you.] 17 [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 He who serves Christ in this way is acceptable and pleasing to God and is approved by men. 19 So let us then definitely aim for and eagerly pursue what makes for harmony and for mutual upbuilding (edification and development) of one another. AMP

Let us aim for and eagerly pursue things that make for harmony and edification of one another. Those who are strong in their faith should be doing this every day. Tearing down others due to differences in lifestyle destroys the work of God and what God is doing in each individual person. 

Rom 14:20 You must not, for the sake of food, undo and break down and destroy the work of God! Everything is indeed [ceremonially] clean and pure, but it is wrong for anyone to hurt the conscience of others or to make them fall by what he eats. 21 The right thing is to eat no meat or drink no wine [at all], or [do anything else] if it makes your brother stumble or hurts his conscience or offends or weakens him. 22 Your personal convictions [on such matters] — exercise [them] as in God's presence, keeping them to yourself [striving only to know the truth and obey His will]. Blessed (happy, to be envied) is he who has no reason to judge himself for what he approves [who does not convict himself by what he chooses to do]. 23 But the man who has doubts (misgivings, an uneasy conscience) about eating, and then eats [perhaps because of you], stands condemned [before God], because he is not true to his convictions and he does not act from faith. For whatever does not originate and proceed from faith is sin [whatever is done without a conviction of its approval by God is sinful]. AMP

We have come full circle here. If one is mature in faith, that one can allow the weak to have their rules and laws. As they grow up in Christ by way of their individual relationship with Him, they will recognize the freedom they have in Christ. Since chapters and verses were not part of the original Greek text, Paul’s thoughts keep going into chapter 15 of Romans.

Rom 15:1-2 WE WHO are strong [in our convictions and of robust faith] ought to bear with the failings and the frailties and the tender scruples of the weak; [we ought to help carry the doubts and qualms of others] and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him [to strengthen him and build him up spiritually]. AMP

The strong bear with the failings, frailties, and tender scruples of the weak. If we label this correctly as Paul has, then we will see more people set free. Weak faith has failings, frailties, and tender scruples. Meanwhile, the strong in faith have to allow the weak to have their laws. So the strong take the high road because of Jesus’ sacrifice. We can now make it a practice to edify one another.

Rom 15:3 For Christ did not please Himself [gave no thought to His own interests]; but, as it is written, The reproaches and abuses of those who reproached and abused you fell on Me. [Ps 69:9.] AMP

Therefore we have to understand that everything written before the days Christ came to earth were written for instruction to help people endure until he came. It was the hope of the Messiah they were looking toward.

Rom 15:4 For whatever was thus written in former days was written for our instruction, that by [our steadfast and patient] endurance and the encouragement [drawn] from the Scriptures we might hold fast to and cherish hope.

Now that Jesus came and ascended, we live with encouragement from the New Covenant Scriptures. The ideas and instructions that Jesus gave us, as well as the Apostles who wrote for us to learn from are what we use to learn and grow. Think about that, the former scriptures were for instructions to keep people steadfast and patient in the hope of the coming Messiah. Once the Messiah came the “rules and laws” changed.

Rom 15:5 Now may the God Who gives the power of patient endurance (steadfastness) and Who supplies encouragement, grant you to live in such mutual harmony and such full sympathy with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 That together you may [unanimously] with united hearts and one voice, praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 7 Welcome and receive [to your hearts] one another, then, even as Christ has welcomed and received you, for the glory of God. AMP

Here are some thoughts on building others up. Love edifies.

1 Cor 8:1-2 NOW ABOUT food offered to idols: of course we know that all of us possess knowledge [concerning these matters. Yet mere] knowledge causes people to be puffed up (to bear themselves loftily and be proud), but love (affection and goodwill and benevolence) edifies and builds up and encourages one to grow [to his full stature]. 2 If anyone imagines that he has come to know and understand much [of divine things, without love], he does not yet perceive and recognize and understand as strongly and clearly, nor has he become as intimately acquainted with anything as he ought or as is necessary. AMP

Not all things are constructive to our character or edifying to our spiritual life.

1 Cor 10:23-24 All things are legitimate [permissible — and we are free to do anything we please], but not all things are helpful (expedient, profitable, and wholesome). All things are legitimate, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life]. 24 Let no one then seek his own good and advantage and profit, but [rather] each one of the other [let him seek the welfare of his neighbor]. AMP

Those who speak in tongues edify themselves and those who prophesy edify the church.

1 Cor 14:4 He who speaks in a [strange] tongue edifies and improves himself, but he who prophesies [interpreting the divine will and purpose and teaching with inspiration] edifies and improves the church and promotes growth [in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness, and happiness]. AMP

Since we are ambitious for the spiritual gifts of the Holy Spirit, we are to strive to find ways to build up the church.

1 Cor 14:12 So it is with yourselves; since you are so eager and ambitious to possess spiritual endowments and manifestations of the [Holy] Spirit, [concentrate on] striving to excel and to abound [in them] in ways that will build up the church. AMP

The gifts of apostles, prophets, evangelist’s, pastors, and teachers are given to edify the body of Christ.

Eph 4:11-13 And His gifts were [varied; He Himself appointed and gave men to us] some to be apostles (special messengers), some prophets (inspired preachers and expounders), some evangelists (preachers of the Gospel, traveling missionaries), some pastors (shepherds of His flock) and teachers. 12 His intention was the perfecting and the full equipping of the saints (His consecrated people), [that they should do] the work of ministering toward building up Christ's body (the church), 13 [That it might develop] until we all attain oneness in the faith and in the comprehension of the [full and accurate] knowledge of the Son of God, that [we might arrive] at really mature manhood (the completeness of personality which is nothing less than the standard height of Christ's own perfection), the measure of the stature of the fullness of the Christ and the completeness found in Him. AMP

The body of Christ builds itself up in love.

Eph 4:15-16 Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 16 For because of Him the whole body (the church, in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions], grows to full maturity, building itself up in love. AMP

We speak what is good and beneficial to the spiritual growth of others. 

Eph 4:29-30 Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God's own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin). AMP

We are to encourage each other with the knowledge that we are not appointed to wrath because we have obtained salvation.

1 Thess 5:9-11 For God has not appointed us to [incur His] wrath [He did not select us to condemn us], but [that we might] obtain [His] salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) 10 Who died for us so that whether we are still alive or are dead [at Christ's appearing], we might live together with Him and share His life. 11 Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing. AMP

The mature in faith should continue to build people up no matter their weakness and legal religious observances. This is a principal we are to live by without making it a law. We are to allow others to be where they are in the spectrum of maturity, while encouraging them. If someone we are socializing with starts to become a hammer for the law, beating everyone who doesn’t do what they do, we now have the correct perspective that that legalist is immature and weak in faith. Instead of being sucked into their behavior of beating others down, we can step out, above it and not partake in the tirade. Likewise, we must be wise in who we share deep knowledge and information with so as not to destroy their faith. In all things however we are to be builders and edifiers of the Body of Christ.