“for the kingdom of God is not a matter of … righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…So then, let us pursue [with enthusiasm] the things which make for peace and the building up of one another [things which lead to spiritual growth].”

Romans 14:17,19 AMP

Church denominations – I can’t stand them. Mostly because everyone thinks their way is “right”. But the Bible is clear – the Kingdom of G-d is about 3 things: righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 

Righteousness- the condition acceptable to God. 

Peace – harmony between individuals, accord

Joy – gladness and calm delight wrought by the Holy Spirit

Why then do we over complicate it? We make it about how someone is baptized – immersion, aspersion, or affusion or the posture of worship- of extravagance or or stoicism, and the list goes on. On and on the debate goes in the body of Christ about seemingly trivial matters when what the Kingdom is really about is being acceptable to G-d and growing in intimacy with Him, and from the overflow, pursuing with enthusiasm the things that lead towards maturity and growth in Him for both us and those around us. 

I wonder what would happen in the Body of Christ if we just focused on His presence and His goodness instead of arguing over the theology of a song or communion. At the end of the day, there is only One who is right – and it isn’t me and it isn’t you. He is the only one righteous. He is the only one worthy. May my words and my actions lead to the spiritual growth of another. 

Father – thank You for Your conviction that leads to righteousness. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen. 

Daily Reading: Romans 14-16

December 11, 2022