One of the most misapplied passages in the Bible concerns the eating of meat offered to idols. As Paul concludes his inspired discourse, he shows that there are certain things that could be right for one person and wrong for another, depending on the conscience of the individual. “Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. And he that doubteth is if he eat, because he eateth not to faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin” (Romans 14:22-23). Unfortunately, many have taken this passage and perverted its meaning, trying to justify their own sinful actions. We must understand the true meaning of Paul’s instructions so that we will not be deceived by those lying in wait (Ephesians 4:14).
Paul was not speaking of something that is sinful in and of itself, but of an action that could be perceived to be wrong by those who had once participated in it as a religious act. This then shows that Paul was speaking of the realm of personal judgment based on the individual’s attitude toward that action. There is nothing wrong with having a cow for a pet, but if one had been a Hindu before receiving the truth, it might violate his conscience since Hindus recognize cows as beings worthy of worship. The meaning that Paul is emphasizing is that one who does not have any problem with having a cow for a pet because he does not attach any religious significance to it, is doing it out of faith. If one were to still attach some religious significance to that cow because of past practice, then it would not be of faith to have that cow, and would be sin. We then see the importance of our not breaking our own conscience even if others tell us that the action is all right. We must understand by ourselves that the action is not sinful. In addition to this, Paul shows us that if we have a brother who has this problem with the cow, then we should not have a cow for a pet ourselves because we do not want to make that a stumblingblock for him and cause him to fall. The action required is not one of impatience, but of teaching the weak brother that his understanding of the truth might be more perfect.
Keeping all of this in mind, one important principle must be noted in view of this passage. God authorized the action under question here. Some did not understand this, but this is clearly seen in the vision of Peter (Acts 10). Some may want to place instrumental music or matters of fellowship under the jurisdiction of Romans 14, but it is improper to do so because neither one of these actions is authorized. Let us seek to put these principles into practice, as true brethren, looking out for the souls of men. If you question a particular practice, do not do it. If you can demonstrate that God allows it, it is permissible. But, if someone brings the matter into question, be honest about the matter and seek to learn the truth from God’s Word. Therefore, before we participate in an action we must consider whether God has authorized it, whether it violates the conscience and whether or not it might cause someone else to stumble.
