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Commentary on "Social Support: The Tie That Binds"

STEVE PITCHER

 

Day 3: Monday, June 21, 2010 - People: Social Beings

 

Today’s lesson is titled, "People: Social Beings." The first question asks us to read Romans 14:7 and identify how we have experienced the reality of this truth. It’s a good question to help identify the issue of how we respect the sensitivities of our fellow Christians. The statement that follows the question, however, leads us into a very different understanding than the one provided by Scripture.

The entire passage of Romans 14 has to do with being aware of how we live in community with Christians who have different opinions about days of worship and eating and drinking, and being careful to not judge the other if they hold different opinions. It has nothing to do with the subject of health. Following this question the lesson author states:

In life or death, we impact others, especially those in our family. The responsible caring for our own health brings blessings not only to ourselves but to those with whom we share our lives.

Although these things are true, this is not what Romans 14 is telling us. Unfortunately, this is an excellent example of an author with a specific agenda, pulling Bible passages out of context to make a point that is not contained in that Bible text. Romans 14:7 is specifically telling us that we do not live or die to ourselves. In context, the verse is telling us that whether we eat, drink or abstain, we do all to the Lord. Romans chapter 14 is definitely not making a case either way for which food or drink to eat or from which to abstain.

The primary focus of today’s lesson has to do with social relationships and the blessings provided in these relationships. As in the Sabbath afternoon lesson (Day 1 this week) the author makes the case for the positive health benefits for those with significant social relationships. With the exception of the incorrect association of Romans 14 with the issue of health, there are no other significant problems with today’s lesson. The last few questions deal with social networks and giving and receiving from these networks.

In non-Christian communities, social networks are important to the life of the individual. In Christian community (the Church) it is the various members of the body of Christ and how they work together that are important to the life of the individual members. The lesson author does identify the gifts of the Spirit and the working of the various members of the body of Christ in a number of places in the lessons this week, particularly on Thursday. It must be noted, however, that the Bible never makes the issue of our physical, mental and emotional health an important outcome of the working together of these members. The important point is always the proper functioning of the body of Christ. Making health issues a part of these teachings detracts from the original intention of God in communicating these important spiritual truths to us.

Let us not be guilty of wrongly handling the word of God. 2 Timothy 2:15 tells us:

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

We can honor God and his word by not confusing spiritual teachings and practices in the body of Christ with issues related to our very temporary physical lives.

 

Summary

  1. Humans are social beings.
  2. Social networks are important to the health and functioning of individuals.
  3. The social network for the Christian is the body of Christ, the Church.
  4. Let us not confuse the clear teaching of Romans 14 with issues of health. The intent of the passage is over the issue of living our faith with others.
  5. We need not be ashamed when we rightly handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15).

 

GO TO DAY 4

 

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