Romans 15:20

Laura Murray

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation, ...

This verse is near the end of Paul's letter to the Romans. He had spent 20 years establishing churches throughout the east, and the Aegean region and had sensed his mission there was complete. He is letting his friends and fellow Christians in Rome know that he hoped to have time to stop and visit with them on his way from Jerusalem to Spain, his next intended site to spread the Gospel. At the time of this letter, Paul had sensed tension between the gentile Christians in Rome and the returned Jewish Christians. He writes to remind them that all Christians must remember that it is out of love, and great cost that God has saved our lives. And thus we must turn our lives over to him, Jews and Gentiles alike, and strive to become one "family" of Christ. Too much time and energy were being spent on bickering over matters of less importance; a message we continue to hear preached in our own pulpit today!

The above verse is in the midst of Paul's reflections of his work and future travel plans. Paul had not actually established the Christian Church in Rome, but he knew his message in this letter had been rather strong, and he did not want to step on anyone's toes, wanting to give credit where credit is due; "lest I should build upon another man's foundation". So what message can we gain from this verse and the surrounding passages of this letter? Just as Paul reminds the Ancient Romans, we should give all Glory to God for the foundation on which our church has been built. We should be praying for and be excited about what God’s next mission might be for us as we expand and build His church. And rather than stepping on toes, that we take advantage of this wonderful opportunity God has granted us, to work with the other churches in our area, as one family in Christ, to reach out and spread His love and Word in our community!

Most Gracious God, we ask for your guidance as we seek to find, and carry out the mission you have in mind for our church. Help us to be open and excited about new ways to share your love with each other and with our neighbors. Amen