Romans 14:17-18 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
What really matters in life is what we do about our relationship with God. This relationship is guided by our faith and obedience, two key topics of the letter to the Romans. Our faith and obedience to God will be seen in how we respond to others. Paul has been writing in this chapter about how our personal convictions can get in the way of relationships. Some convictions are necessary and must not be compromised, such as clear moral teachings of the Bible. Other convictions are more of a personal nature, like the type of food we eat. Paul is concerned in this chapter about these minor areas, which sometimes people make into major areas. Paul points on the big issues in these verses. Our first goal ought to be to live pleasing to God in righteousness, peace, and joy that come through the Holy Spirit. When we are obedience to the Holy Spirit, we will find our personal convictions go through the filter of love and holiness. This type of life will be a stronger testimony than one that leans towards legalism or libertinism. The obedience of faith is the way to service Christ and be pleasing to God. It will be honored among people because it considers the needs of others.
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