Confidence and arrogance seem so close sometimes. The person with a higher degree may have confidence in their learnedness, or they may be arrogant, thinking that their degree gives them the edge over others. The same could be said for knowledge in any field, or a fit body, or even closeness with God. Sometimes it is hard to maintain confidence without arrogance.
Arrogance often comes out in an attitude that is express in word or action. It is the look of disapproval or the words of criticism.
Romans 14:1 (NIV84) Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
"Passing judgment" in the Greek really means; don't get into an argument over a difference of opinion. Contextually it is talking about matters that are up to each individual person to decide. What day you worship, what you eat and what you drink are discussed here, but we could include a list of things from TV and movies to clothes and everything in between. The Word says to accept him or her. Welcome them. Love on the (Rom. 12). This isn't to say that you can't talk about something, but don't dispute over it.
Romans 14:10 (NIV84) — 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
The argument continues that Christ died for them. Why judge? Why despise? Why criticize? Why give an attitude? Why talk behind their back? Why even talk to them in their face? The answer to me is pretty clear, we think we are God and sit in the judgment seat. Ouch! We have all done it. Our confidence in our living has slid over to arrogance. Who are we to judge? If someone says let's get drunk and have an orgy, judge away! Stand and say that is wrong and evil and will only end in death. But if someone is watching a movie you wouldn't or drinking something you wouldn't, well, that is what we are talking about here. People aren't going to like this, but I think we should leave that up to God.
May I offer two more thoughts? True discipleship is a place where these "disputable" or "non-essential" things are discussed. Maybe we should consider loving that person so much that we would disciple them and not mention that "thing" that bugs you for at least two months. Number two, love God and love one another. If it isn't love, don't do it or say it.
Arrogance often comes out in an attitude that is express in word or action. It is the look of disapproval or the words of criticism.
Romans 14:1 (NIV84) Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.
"Passing judgment" in the Greek really means; don't get into an argument over a difference of opinion. Contextually it is talking about matters that are up to each individual person to decide. What day you worship, what you eat and what you drink are discussed here, but we could include a list of things from TV and movies to clothes and everything in between. The Word says to accept him or her. Welcome them. Love on the (Rom. 12). This isn't to say that you can't talk about something, but don't dispute over it.
Romans 14:10 (NIV84) — 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
The argument continues that Christ died for them. Why judge? Why despise? Why criticize? Why give an attitude? Why talk behind their back? Why even talk to them in their face? The answer to me is pretty clear, we think we are God and sit in the judgment seat. Ouch! We have all done it. Our confidence in our living has slid over to arrogance. Who are we to judge? If someone says let's get drunk and have an orgy, judge away! Stand and say that is wrong and evil and will only end in death. But if someone is watching a movie you wouldn't or drinking something you wouldn't, well, that is what we are talking about here. People aren't going to like this, but I think we should leave that up to God.
May I offer two more thoughts? True discipleship is a place where these "disputable" or "non-essential" things are discussed. Maybe we should consider loving that person so much that we would disciple them and not mention that "thing" that bugs you for at least two months. Number two, love God and love one another. If it isn't love, don't do it or say it.
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