Gray Areas 7

Austin Gardner • September 8, 2023


Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.


Regardless of your position on the gray areas, you are not to judge your brother; he is your brother, even if you do not agree on these areas that are not as clearly defined in the Bible.


Notice the word the Holy Spirit uses. Why do you show contempt or set at naught your brother? That is done from both sides. The one who feels that he can eat meat and not respect the same days believes that somehow he is more spiritual, more free, and has a right to think less of his brother in Christ.


On the other side, the one who has taken a strict view will do the same. He will say that his brother doesn’t love God, isn’t separated or clean, etc. He will show contempt. The Holy Spirit wants to know why we do that.


Could it be that we do not understand that we will all stand before the real judge, and we aren’t needed in that capacity? Could it be that we do not understand that God is the only one who can call one of us into account for our lives?


What a great truth! Do not judge your brother. Do not show contempt for him. Realize that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Realize that we will all give an accounting to Him!


The primary lesson here is: don’t have a bad attitude towards your brother, not if he takes a weaker or stronger stand than you do.


We can live together as a family and love each other. We can shock the world with our love for one another. We have been known for too long as being judgmental.



Let’s be known for what we are for more than what we are against!


By Austin Gardner February 24, 2026
Biblical clarity for ministry leaders. Learn why internal alignment matters more than external success. 50+ years of ministry wisdom from Austin Gardner.
By Austin Gardner February 23, 2026
Elisha asked for a double portion of Elijah's spirit—but why? W. Austin Gardner explores the tension between bold faith and hidden pride in ministry leadership.
By Austin Gardner February 22, 2026
W. Austin Gardner explores the cautionary tale of Jehu in 2 Kings 10:31. Are you obeying with your whole heart, or just your hands? Discover the freedom of full surrender.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
Why did God clear Pharaoh's flies instantly but leave Austin Gardner's? Explore a powerful lesson on trust, leadership humility, and grace from 50 years in ministry.
By Austin Gardner February 21, 2026
W. Austin Gardner reflects on the weight of leadership legacy and 1 Kings 22:52. Are your footsteps worth following? A biblical look at influence, character, and the power of example.
By Austin Gardner February 20, 2026
After 50+ years of ministry, W. Austin Gardner shares his shift from a culture of performance to a life of resting in grace. Discover the truth about identity in Christ.
By Austin Gardner February 19, 2026
Can everything change in a single day? W. Austin Gardner explores Joseph’s sudden restoration in Genesis 41:14 and why God’s timing is worth the wait.
By Austin Gardner February 18, 2026
Can you choose to forget the pain of the past? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 41:51 and Joseph’s decision to move from a place of wounding to a place of fruitfulness.
By Austin Gardner February 17, 2026
What happens when the past resurfaces? W. Austin Gardner explores Genesis 42, showing why character is built in the light and how to face old shadows with grace.
By Austin Gardner February 16, 2026
Stop the performance. W. Austin Gardner explores the high cost of pretending in ministry and how the "Big Leap of Faith" leads to true spiritual rest.