Advancing the kingdom of God

Romans 14:18 For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. In Rom. 12:1, Paul urged his readers by the mercies of God, to present their bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is their spiritual service of worship to Jesus. In this verse, he clearly was tracking along that same line. When we consider our brothers’ opinions on issues that are not clearly addressed in God’s Word as more important than our own, we are serving Jesus. Our love in that case is a living, holy, acceptable service of worship, but it is also approved by men. The word translated approve in this verse is another form of the word prove in Rom. 12:2 where Paul urged them to renew their minds and not be conformed to the world so that they may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. When we serve Christ by regarding the opinions of others above our own, we are proving something to to the world and they will receive it. It helps to think of approved action as something men will receive or consider to be good, acceptable, and perfect. As we live to love with Jesus, God’s kingdom advances through us, and it will be received by men. Righteousness, peace, and joy are appealing. It makes us the light of the world. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com