The Daily Grace - Resolve to Resolve

Every year, some of us make a New Year's Resolution. But this struck me the most: "Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way" (Rom. 14:13). This resolution is old, about 2000 years. It is one that we should renew annually. 

Like believers in Rome centuries ago, believers today sometimes make up rules for others to follow and insist on adherence to certain behaviors and beliefs that the Bible says little or nothing about. These "stumbling blocks" make it difficult for followers of Jesus to continue in the way of faith that He came to show us - that salvation is by grace, not works (Gal. 2:16). It requires only that we trust in His death and resurrection for forgiveness. We can celebrate this good news of Christ in the coming year by resolving not to set up hurdles that cause people to stumble. Faith is the hand that receives God's gift, then faith is the feet that walk with God.