Romans 14:1, 13, 19,22 Judging another's walk (11.11.12)

It's high time that you welcome all people weak in the faith without debating and disputing their opinions....In light of this, we must resolve never to judge others and never to place an obstacle or impediment in their paths that could cause them to trip and fall....Join us and pursue a life that creates peace and builds up our brothers and sisters....Hold on to what you believe about these issues, but keep them between you and God. 

Observation

I believe Paul is saying two things here.  The first is pick your battles wisely. Fighting over church methods is a waste of time.  In the time that the letter to Rome is written food sacrificed to idols and food that was considered unlawful to eat by the Jews, was in heavy debate.  I imagine for us it would be like worship style (contemporary, rock, conservative) or varying preaching styles or even dress.  Silly things to argue over. 

 ~ Observation from The Voice  "Personal freedom must always give way to corporate responsibility.  To put it another way, the gospel of love demands that we surrender individual liberties for the sake of our brothers and sisters in Christ."

However, I believe Paul is also telling us not to be critical of others who are not as spiritually mature as we are.  He is encouraging us instead to be compassionate and humble, so that we will not be a stumbling block to their faith.  We are not to judge if they are not as far on their spiritual walk as they should be or if and how they should be doing more.

Application

This is a difficult one for me.  Because as a leader I want to encourage spiritual growth.  Yet I find it is hard to not be critical and get frustrated when I don't see spiritual fruit in someone's life.  But I need to remember that I don't see the heart and I don't see all that God is doing. When I judge I end up standing on my own self-righteousness and usually end up fighting the wrong battle.  I need to just be obedient in my own walk always going to God on what I'm to do next and trust God with His sheep.  He knows the status of their heart and growth better than I and in the end we will each be accountable for our own walk (Romans 14:12).

Prayer

Please forgive me Father for my judgmental attitude.  Please grant me Your wisdom to know when I am starting to lean towards judgement instead of mercy and humility.