18 February 2026
“Paul moves from the plate to the calendar. From what you eat to what you honour.” Mark Penrith helped us see that Romans 14 is not only about food. It is about days. “One person judges one day to be more important than another day. Someone else judges every day to be the same” Romans 14:5. The church in Rome felt that tension. So do we. Some elevate certain practices. Others feel freedom. Both believe they are right.
Mark Penrith said, “Paul does not settle the calendar either.” Instead, he gives a surprising command. “Let each one be fully convinced in his own mind” Romans 14:5. Mark pressed the point, “Fully convinced. Not uncertain. Not apologetic. Not ashamed of your conviction. Hold it. Honour it. But do not impose it.” The issue is not forced uniformity. It is sincerity before the Lord.
Paul explains why. “Whoever observes the day, observes it for the honour of the Lord. Whoever eats, eats for the Lord, since he gives thanks to God” Romans 14:6. Mark summarised it plainly, “The plate is not the point. The calendar is not the point. The direction of the heart is the point.” Are you living for the Lord. Are you thanking the Lord. That is what matters.
This calls for honest self examination. Take one conviction you hold strongly. Ask yourself whether you practise it “for the honour of the Lord” or for the approval of your circle. Mark warned us that we often forget “we live and die before one audience only.” Recommit your practice to Christ. Refuse to measure maturity by comparison.
At home, teach this to your children. Help them see that obedience flows from love. Not fear. Not image management. Ask them why your family gathers on Sunday. Ask them who you seek to honour. Then point them to Christ. As Mark said, “Are you living for the Lord?”
Lord, search my motives. Anchor my convictions in Your Word. Teach me to live for Your honour alone. Amen.