On Secondary Issues, Chill

I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. — Romans 14:14–15

My oldest son is always using the word chill. To him it means “pause, breathe — it’s not worth getting all worked up and worried.” 

In the church, we have made so many secondary issues first-order issues — things that have nothing to do with the gospel.

I like to be right. I believe most people do. It is easy to try and justify ourselves as to why we are right on issues of no importance, even sometimes at the detriment of hurting others. As a follower of Jesus, I have to remember that love lays down the desire to be right. What matters is pleasing Jesus and building each other up.

When I put so much weight on secondary issues that it leads to division with another brother, I remember how many times I have been wrong in my spiritual life. And yet God still has never stopped accepting me! Who am I, then, to reject someone else?

In other words, chill.

I love how the gospel constantly teaches me this truth. Over and over in my life I am reminded that God accepts me despite my daily sins and mistakes. That amazing grace should influence how we accept one another. Remember — Christ also died for the one you disagree with.

Lord, may we as Your church be known for a stronger love of the gospel than of our preferences. Amen.

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Dealing with Rejection

Do you suppose that I came to give peace on earth? I tell you, not at all, but rather division. For from now on five in one house will be divided: three against two, and two against three. Father will be divided against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. — Luke 12:51–53

Very few people enjoy rejection. The way of Christ, however, often makes us repulsive to an unbelieving world. Jesus spoke of such things when He said He came to bring division. His point wasn’t that He or His followers would create unnecessary conflict with others. Instead, His point was that unbelievers would often despise those who faithfully follow Him. 

Jesus Himself was subject to ridicule and rejection. In John’s gospel, we read,

He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. — John 1:11

• Since Jesus faced hostility from others, we shouldn’t be surprised when our faith invites scorn.

Our Lord warned us, 

Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets. — Luke 6:26

The Bible reveals that the world will get progressively worse as the end of time draws near (2 Timothy 3:13). Moral depravity and spiritual deception will reach a fever pitch. To be spiritually strong, you must be prepared to live as a light in the darkness. Remember the words of our Lord —

He who rejects you rejects Me, and he who rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me. — Luke 10:16

There may not be peace in the world, but God’s peace will remain in your heart as you lean on His strength.

Lord, help me not to be surprised when the world ridicules my faith. Give me strength to stand strong in Your truth and rest in Your peace.

Excerpted with permission from Everyday Joy and Peace curated by O. S. Hawkins, copyright Thomas Nelson.

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Your Turn

When it comes to rejection, we need to both be wary of it in ourselves and expect it from the world. That calls for being tender-hearted and easy-going with others over issues of secondary importance and thick-skinned and forgiving of anyone who walks away from relationship. Are you up for it? ~ Devotionals Daily