[After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 AMPC
In chapter fourteen of Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome, he raises an issue on the need for believers to watch one another’s back, bearing with each other, not putting nor becoming a stumbling block unto others. And the reason for this, simply put, is that in God’s kingdom you’re no longer living for yourself. Living for yourself negates the beauty of being born into a new kingdom. In fact, as believers, we are to die completely to self (Ephesians 4:22).
Meanwhile, we have realized that our old way of life, the sinful life is not pleasing to God. Likewise, it has no benefit even to us as individuals. Our old way of life tends to its own desires and not to the mandate of God’s kingdom. It is a life that neither think of God nor others.
As long as you did what you felt like doing, ignoring God, you didn’t have to bother with right thinking or right living, or right anything for that matter. But do you call that a free life? What did you get out of it? Nothing you’re proud of now. Where did it get you? A dead end.
Romans 6:20-21 MSG
However, having received a new life by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, we must continue to live in a way that God wants – pursue righteousness. And in doing this, our lives shall be such that lead people unto Christ Jesus and not away from Him. Likewise, we would not be a hindrance for people to live righteously. This is the kind of life that will not do anything to compromise his brother. His desire is that as he advances in his relationship with God, nothing he does pulls his brother down.
For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.
Romans 14:7-8 NKJV
Therefore, we are encouraged to:
Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. - Romans 14 :1 MSG
The new life you have in Christ Jesus, the kingdom life, is not a matter of getting what you want. It is a life that lets go of selfish appetites. Being dead to self means living a new life in Christ, where our priorities and desires are aligned with God’s will. It involves setting aside our personal preferences and desires for the sake of promoting unity and edification in the body of Christ
