Something Up Yonder

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).

“Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification” (Romans 15:2).

Serving God with a heart for His righteousness, peace, and joy is the kind of service acceptable in His sight and will edify [build up or strengthen] others.

Even the simplest of life’s necessities―the foods we eat―can become occasions for dispute and disappointment among brethren. Therefore, Paul urges us to pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify or lift up another. Look at the apostle’s writing. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. It is good to neither eat nor drink or do anything, in fact, by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

Every kingdom is renowned for its distinctive features. Rome was conspicuous for its warlike posture. Historically, Greece was noted for its love of the fine arts. France is eminent for its taste. America is famous for her enterprise. But the distinguishing mark of the kingdom of God is “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” </