There is a general calling on each and every one of our lives that is true for all of us. We are called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves (Marker 12:30-31). We’re called to love.

You don’t need to have spent more than a few hours in this world to realize that this general call is not being lived out by most. We live in a dark world that’s ruled by anger, jealousy, hatred, and evil. There is brokenness around every corner and sadness welling up behind stoic faces. We are called to love.

The world today operates in the grey area. Lies have diluted the truth in such a way that truth has been lower-cased and largely left aside. But if there is Truth, then it matters not what the world says, what only matters is that Truth exists. Stick with me, my intent is not philosophical thought it’s to show us that if there is a Light to follow, we will not find it in the darkness.

The Bible is very clear that we show our allegiance, we show our love for God, by obeying His commands (1 John 5:3). You can only follow something or someone that you know about. Once you do know about them, your decisions are produced from a place of conviction towards that thing or person.

Romans 14 speaks of this with clarity. Paul is speaking to both Jew and Gentile in this passage. He is discussing differing opinions over what food is acceptable and whether a day of the week ought to be set aside or not. He says this, “One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God” (Romans 14:5-6).

Both people in Paul’s example believe in Jesus. Both are asking questions and looking for guidance around how to best follow Jesus and both are making decisions serving Jesus out of a place of personal conviction – this is the common denominator. Paul responds not with a bullet-pointed list of necessary dos and don’ts, but rather with a deeper call to assess oneself personally with the Lord.

This concept is one that necessitates two things: a humble spirit that is willing to change one’s actions and a mature heart that is honestly seeking after submitting to Jesus. There is a battle going on for your mind, friend. Paul says this a few pages prior in chapter 12, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

If we are not submitted to Jesus, then we will be convinced in our minds of ways of living that are outside God’s intention for us. But as we submit our minds to Christ, we will learn from Him and make choices for Him and grow in deeper maturity towards Him. It’s out of this place that Paul finishes his thought with this, “For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23b). Language can’t be much more black and white than that.

Friend, the challenge here is this: are you genuinely seeking after living like Jesus, or are you looking for a bullet-point list of bare minimums? God is after your heart because He knows that a changed heart is a loving heart and that is exactly what you were made for and this is how God brings His light and His love into a dark world. Use Paul’s words as a filter. Is this decision or way of life I’m thinking about coming from a place of faith and belief in the Lord, or not – then decide accordingly.