Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. (Rom. 14:5)
Expanded Passage: Romans 14:5-6
My grandfather was a man with high scruples. When driving in the city, he would never pull into a spot where there was still time showing on the parking meter. As for his grandson, I usually drive for several blocks looking for a meter that might have thirty minutes left. When I asked Grandpa why he avoided those parking spots, he replied, “Buddy, someone paid money to reserve that space for a specific amount of time. So that place belongs to him until the time has expired. What if he had forgotten something and needed to come back? That place should be his alone as long as he has rented it.”
We rarely hear the word “scruples” today. The word describes individuals who have a strong sense of conscience and hold themselves to strict account. We are probably more familiar with its opposite—people we deplore for being unscrupulous in their business dealings. Although I do not follow my grandfather’s example, I admire him for his strong sense of integrity.
One aspect of living by the Spirit is using God’s Word and the inner voice of conscience to guide us in setting appropriate standards of behavior—a balance between the freedom to live beyond legalism and forming appropriate constraints that model a life of godliness. Think of that the next time you come upon a parking meter in town.
Cultivate godly habits for yourself and live a life of personal integrity.
Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
