Romans 14:7

Liveth to himself. Paul now expands as a general rule of life the thought suggested by the phrase “unto the Lord” in v. 6. It is not only in the matter of food and special days that the Christian does all “unto the Lord.” It is the aim of his entire existence to live not “to himself,” for his own pleasure and according to his own desires, but “unto the Lord,” for His glory and according to His will (see 2 Cor. 5:14, 15). His whole life, to its very last moments, belongs to the Lord (Rom. 14:8), and in due time he must give an account of himself to God (v. 12). Therefore Christians should live as men who must someday “stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (v. 10).

The words of this verse have often been applied to the influence that a man exerts upon his fellow men. It should be remembered, however, that this is not the primary meaning, as the context makes evident. Paul is emphasizing the point that whatever the Christian does, he does with reference to the Lord.