OBEY GOD RATHER THAN DEMAND YOUR RIGHTS

Recently, because of the terrible attack on Black members of a Charleston, S.C. church, there has been a great deal of debate over the flying of the "Rebel Flag" (Stars & Bars; etc.).  Sincere born again believers appear to be divided on this issue, so I would like to suggest that both "camps" consider the following Scripture (Romans 14:13-23 - I have inserted this particular issue in parenthesis solely to make my point):

[13] Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

[14] I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself (the Rebel Flag, the Nazi Flag, the Rainbow Flag, etc., are simply pieces of cloth - they stand for different things to different people): but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean (in the case of the flags, instead of unclean, I believe the better word would be offensive).

[15] But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat (flag), now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat (flag), (thy brother) for whom Christ died.

[16] Let not then your good be evil spoken of:  (don't fly a flag that causes to offend).

[17] For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink (or flags); but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

[18] For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men (that which is acceptable by God, is that which does not offend one's brothers).

[19] Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

[20] For meat (for your right to display a flag) destroy not the work of God (unity of the brethren - Jn. 17:21-23). All things (flags) indeed are pure (to some); but it (that flag) is evil for that man who eateth (displays it) with offence.

[21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

[22] Hast thou faith? Have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

[23] And he that doubteth is damned if he eat (or flies a flag that offends), because he eateth not (flies it not) of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.