“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 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 14:5-8
Paul paints a vivid picture in Romans 14:5 of two sincere believers walking out their faith in very different ways. One holds tightly to certain traditions, convinced that honoring special days pleases the Lord. Another walks freely in the liberty Christ has given, seeing every day as equal and offering each one to God with gratitude. Their practices may differ, but their hearts beat with the same desire—to glorify the Lord. Paul’s instruction is simple: “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” In other words, in matters of preference—not sin—believers have room to follow their convictions as long as their motive is to honor God.
This tension was real in the early church. Jewish believers carried generations of Sabbath observance, feast days, and sacred rhythms. Gentile believers came from pagan backgrounds with their own customs and sensitivities. Some felt compelled to keep certain days; others felt no such obligation. Yet Paul’s message is striking: both approaches can honor God. It’s like a classroom of children creating artwork for their teacher—one carefully selecting colors, another painting boldly and freely. The pictures look different, but the intention is the same. What matters is not the method, but the motive. Paul reminds us that these practices are “shadows” pointing to Christ (Colossians 2:16–17), and now that we have Him, our focus is living each day for His glory.
Paul brings it home with a powerful truth: “For none of us lives to himself… For if we live, we live to the Lord” (Romans 14:7–8). Whether we observe certain days or treat every day alike, whether we exercise liberty or walk carefully in conviction, we belong to the Lord. Our unity is not found in identical practices but in shared devotion. A.W. Tozer once illustrated this beautifully: passengers on a ship are free to move about as they wish, but the ship is still headed toward its set destination. So it is with God’s sovereignty and our liberty—different expressions, one direction. When our aim is to please the Lord, unity becomes possible even in diversity.
Ask God to help you see beyond outward differences and recognize the shared desire to honor Him in others. Choose today to celebrate sincere devotion rather than critique differing practices. In every choice—whether cautious or free—let your motive be to please the Lord. And as you do, extend grace to others who are doing the same.
“In matters of personal conviction, the Lord looks at the heart. If the believer’s aim is to please Him, the specific action is secondary.”—William MacDonald
surrendered devotions 