“Pleasing” the World

Once again, Paul presents a conclusion, a call to action based on the things he has just taught. But the words that follow this “therefore” are difficult to interpret. What is our “good”? And how can we prevent it from being spoken of as evil?

When we remember that Paul’s words in this section of Romans are directed primarily to those who are “strong” in the faith, it appears that “your good” is a reference to Christian liberty. But who might speak of liberty as “evil?” Those who are “weak” might do so, criticizing their brothers for what seems to them to be not just liberty but license. But those outside the church might also speak this way if the exercise of Christian liberty by the strong brings harm to the weak, and therefore leads to disputes and divisions in the church. The strong have a responsibility to consider how their actions will impact the weak—and about the possible effects on the way the watching world thinks of the church. The strong must do everything in their power not to bring the church of Jesus Christ into disrepute.

After all, Paul adds, the kingdom of God, the body of those who acknowledge His rule, is not primarily about the Christian’s freedom to eat or drink whatever he wishes. Yes, Christian liberty is an important facet of life in this kingdom, but there are even more important facets—such as righteousness, peace, and joy. These are traits the Holy Spirit is working to create in all Christians, traits that the world lacks and needs to see in believers. But here is the point: By the thoughtless exercise of Christian liberty, believers can actually oppose the work of the Spirit, reducing a weaker brother’s peace and joy, and causing him to experience guilt if he follows a stronger brother’s example rather than his own conscience. In such instances, the world sees Christians who get along no better than unsaved people.

On the other hand, serving Christ “in these things” (by living according to the law of love) constitutes obedience to God and love for the brethren. This pleases God—and, as Paul puts it, is “approved by men.” Jesus promised that the world would hate us because of Him. And yet, Paul can say that when true Christianity is lived out, even unbelievers must acknowledge grudgingly that Christians are different, that they are living real, vital lives.