“Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Rom 14.5). Paul uses these words in relation to matters where Christians may have a range of views, what he calls ‘opinions’ (v1). He gives examples: “one person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables, … one person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike“ (v2, 5).

Such is Paul’s generosity of heart that he does not condemn those who hold different opinions. Scripture allows for varied expressions of faith. Indeed, the different circumstances in which we live, from place to place, from generation to generation, etc, seem to demand different life choices within the bounds of the principles of scripture.

Paul’s conclusion is that we have a responsibility towards those who take a different view. He says we must not pass judgment on others (v10, 13). I suggest that this is a mark of spiritual maturity. Instead of promoting and pursuing own our preferences and opinions, we have genuine concern for others.

Further, we should be restrained in our words. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God … therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business and a fool’s voice with many words … Let not your mouth lead you into sin  … why should God be angry at your voice?” (Eccl 5.1-7).

Be “fully convinced.” Read scripture; be prayerful and thoughtful. But there is no obligation to constantly speak our minds. We may have our “opinion” on everything, but we are not required to express that opinion at every given opportunity. The book of Proverbs has many references to restrained lips, e.g; “even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips he is deemed intelligent” (Prov 17.28).

Let us be these who bless and inspire, as well as inform and educate! And perhaps there are opinions which can keep to ourselves!

Enoch walked with God 300 years (Genesis 5.22).

Whilst I have not yet met any Christians with such a life span, there are those who belong to The Bridge Church who have been Christians for 40, or 50, or, in some cases, 60 years.

There is huge experience and wisdom in these grey-haired saints.

There remains a window for those younger and younger in the faith to learn from them.

For seniors, the word is to avoid becoming insulated or isolated.

(Or, what did I read and listen to during the lockdowns?)

This is a current issue. Since March 2020 (and earlier in some countries) millions of Christians have been unable to physically attend meetings in their Church buildings. I am one.

There was already a vast resource of Christian material available online. Lockdown massively added to that.

I’ve seen some discussion as to how we should navigate this material. Helpfully, many Churches have communicated recommended materials to their members.

In addition to listening to that recommended material, I identified two things to avoid; overload and confusion. So, I listen to and read teaching by Mike Betts, who oversees the Relational Mission family of Churches, to which I belong. { https://www.relationalmission.org/] I then look for what Mike recommends, confident that it will hold similar values. That gives me a set of resources in which I have great confidence.

Does that not make you too narrow? Perhaps, but it helps me not to get confused. Of course, I do listen to some other material, but I major on what I know will do me good.

I should add that, in my professional work I work with Churches and other faith groups from a very wide spectrum, and routinely read material from them.

So, is everyone else wrong? Of course not! I seek to be devoted to the apostle’s doctrine within Relational Mission. I am convinced it is correct. But, RM would never claim to hold the whole truth. RM contributes to the whole just as other Churches and groups do. But I can only be devoted to one.

In my reading I came across one group of Churches whose vision statement declares that ’the Church has left out 90% of the gospel and only kept 10%.’ In contrast to this blatant criticism of other groups, it is important to honour other Churches and respect them as part of God’s family. By God’s grace, I respect Churches to which I do not belong. We can and must learn and grow together.

Respect for other Churches is a mark of Relational Mission leaders. Relational Mission Churches frequently partner with other Churches to serve their local communities. I hope to have a similar, generous, attitude.