Peace @ AFF

[Sam]

Each of us has our understanding of God's Word that has been shaped by what we've been taught and how we have responded to that teaching over the years. We each have "rules" that govern our behavior in our walk with God.

One thing we need to give up is the idea that everyone is at the same place in their growth and development of their spiritual life and that we all have to live the same way.

Some may think we need to keep a certain day as a sabbath and others may not. If we keep a certain day as a sabbath we should not think everyone else has to keep that day and we should not condemn them if they do not. Others may regard all days alike. That's fine, just don't condemn someone who keeps a certain day as a sabbath. Those who keep a certain day as a sabbath should not condemn those who do not and those who do not keep a certain day as a sabbath should not condemn those who do.

I think this applies to all sorts of stuff like sleeve length, hair length, alcohol, chocolate, deodorant, reading newspapers, watching tv, jewelry, tobacco, neckties, etc. If you believe it is wrong to wear a necktie, don't wear one but don't condemn someone who believes it's OK to adorn themselves that way. If you believe in moderate use of alcohol, go ahead and drink moderately but don't insist that everyone has to drink alcohol. Some folks for several different reasons do not drink alcohol at all. Fine, don't drink alcohol at all but don't condemn those who believe moderate alcohol use is OK.

Each of us is a servant of God and we are accountable to Him. If your brother or sister is not your servant, don't judge them. Let their Master judge them.